New image shows scale of planned ?750m Rail Freight Terminal

This is how a vast GBP750 million rail freight terminal could look if it gets planning permission for green fields between Leicester and Hinckley. The image shows nine warehouses along with new road access to the M69 motorway as well as a rail terminal capable of handling up to 16 trains a day – each one stretching almost half a mile long [1]. The 440 acre Hinckley National Rail Freight Interchange [2] is being proposed for countryside east of Hinckley [3], close to the village of Elmesthorpe and near to Burbage Common.

The buildings would have a footprint of 7 million sq ft and be up to 91ft high. There will also be a lorry park. Because the plans – which have raised substantial objections from people living nearby as well as MPs and local councils – are seen as of national significance, they will be determined by the Secretary of State for Transport rather than local councillors.

The proposals have now made it through the next phase of the planning process, with the Planning Inspectorate formally accepting the application and moving it on to a pre-examination phase. Residents, businesses and local politicians will be asked for their views with a six-month long examination phase following later this year. A recommendation from the inspectorate to the Secretary of State is expected in 2024, ahead of a final decision.

Developer Tritax Symmetry says the proposals will create more than 8,000 jobs and deliver more than GBP70 million of infrastructure improvements in the area – including new slip roads at Junction 2 of the M69 and a and a new link between the motorway and the B4669/A47 Leicester Road. It said moving goods on 16 trains a day would remove 300,000 lorry trips a year from the roads – or 83 million miles of road transport. However, Blaby District Council [5] said it had raised major issues with a previous consultation into the plans, accusing them of being inadequate.

The council’s planning and strategic growth group manager Cat Hartley said: “We are disappointed the Planning Inspectorate have decided to accept this application in spite of our long-held and ongoing concerns. We will continue to scrutinise Tritax Symmetry’s proposals and present our views to the Planning Inspectorate as the application process continues.” Tritax Symmetry planning director Sinead Turnbull said: “The acceptance of the application for Hinckley National Rail Freight Interchange marks an important milestone in delivering significant investment in low carbon buildings and infrastructure for Leicestershire.

The unique location, with excellent strategic connections, will mean it is one of the most important rail freight and infrastructure projects for the region’s connectivity. “It will generate new apprenticeships and skills for the region in a fast-growing and future-facing logistics industry – one that is the lifeblood of the economy and vital to our country’s growth.” The business said it made changes to the plans following the initial three rounds of consultations including additional landscaping and ecological enhancements, reducing the building heights and planning a footbridge at a level crossing. Get all the latest news direct to your inbox by signing up for our newsletter here [6].

References

^ each one stretching almost half a mile long (www.business-live.co.uk)
^ Hinckley National Rail Freight Interchange (www.business-live.co.uk)
^ Hinckley (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)
^ Tributes paid to the man who helped turn Asian snack manufacturer Cofresh into a household brand (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)
^ Blaby District Council (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)
^ newsletter here (data.reachplc.com)