Rail hub decision cautiously welcomed
The Borough Council has cautiously welcomed the government’s decision to delay a decision to build a massive new Rail Hub on land outside Hinckley.
A decision on the proposed scheme from developers Tritax Symmetry for 650 acres of land outside Hinckley and based close to Junction 2 of the M69 next to Burbage Common has today been deferred until March by the Secretary of State for Transport, after the Planning Inspectorate recommended that consent should not be given for the massive development.
Locally, councillors and campaigners have repeatedly raised concerns about the permanent blight this development would have on Burbage Common as well as the impact on residents and businesses. Campaigners fear the extra car and HGV movements the development would generate will have a severe impact on the road network and particularly the key junctions around the M1, M69 and A5.
In July, the Council Leader wrote to the Secretary of Transport, Louise Haigh MP and the Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner, inviting them to meet with the council to discuss the controversial scheme and to see the major logistics developments already in this area. The Borough Council was keen to showcase the alternative exciting growth opportunities they offer and demonstrate why the Rail Freight proposal is so unpopular with local residents.
Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council Leader Stuart Bray said: “While it’s very encouraging that the Planning Inspector is recommending that consent should not be given, we are disappointed that the Secretary of State hasn’t rejected this environmentally disastrous scheme outright today.
“There are plenty of logistics operations already thriving in more appropriate locations in this area. These existing businesses offer massive opportunities for growth without the huge environmental cost to wildlife and the impact of noise, light and traffic this development would have on local residents if it is approved.
“I would urge the Secretary of State to listen to the Planning Inspectorate and to local campaigners and reject this unwanted proposal.”
The written statement to parliament can be read here: Hinckley National Freight Interchange: development consent decision extension - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
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