Life bar and nightclub, in Occupation Road, Corby, burned down in October 2005 after a massive blaze destroyed the building.

More than 45 firefighters from across the area tackled the blaze at the former steelworkers social club.

Since then the site has remained derelict and is currently being cleared. New houses have been built on an adjacent site and now George Wimpey Homes has applied to put up 60 one and two-bedroomed flats on the land.

A Wimpey spokesman said: "The development replaces the old industrial and commercial buildings of the former nightclub, so reusing brownfield land.

"The development continues the residential-built environment down to the bowling greens and enhances the existing development to the west."

The plot will house 30 one-bed flats and 30-two bedroomed flats with a central parking area with trees planted in a courtyard.

Access to the site will be from the current entrance on Occupation Road.

The bowling club at the back of the site will remain open.

Bill Walker, 63, who lives in Rockingham Road, said: "It's been a real mess ever since it burnt down.

"I think they should have done something with it a long time ago but I'm glad they've finally decided what to do with it.

"It's a bit of a shame they can't open another pub there but now they've built flats all around it. I don't think the residents would really like it.

"I just hope they aren't going to be too high because the ones next door are a bit high in my opinion."

The fire happened just a year after a £1.5m facelift at the club. Locals had hoped it would re-open but the damage was too extensive and the building was pulled down. Planners at Corby Council will decide the future of the application in the near future.