A proposed Rail Freight development spanning 650 acres of land outside Hinckley and near Burbage Common has ignited local opposition and prompted significant political correspondence. The development, put forward by Tritax Symmetry, has been designated as a ‘Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project,’ placing the final planning decision in the hands of the Secretary of State for Transport, following a recommendation from the Planning Inspectorate.
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council Leader, Councillor Stuart Bray, has expressed his strong reservations about the project. In an effort to voice local concerns, Cllr Bray has written to the new Labour Secretary of State for Transport, Louise Haigh MP, and the new Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner, inviting them to visit the area and engage in discussions regarding the scheme.
“I see very little benefit in this scheme,” Cllr Bray stated. “There are no shortages of haulage and warehousing jobs in this part of Leicestershire, and the impact of the noise, light, and traffic on the surrounding towns and villages will be huge. That’s why I’ve invited the new Deputy PM and the new Secretary of State for Transport to visit the area to discuss the proposals with us and see for themselves the major logistics developments in this area.”
Cllr Bray emphasized the potential of existing local developments as alternatives to the proposed rail freight scheme. “We would love to showcase the alternative exciting growth opportunities offered by our existing major logistics developments, such as DPD’s UK and International hubs, along with MIRA technology park and the new National Conservation and Science Centre at Twycross Zoo. We want to demonstrate why the Rail Freight proposal is so unpopular with our local residents.”
The Department of Transport, maintaining its standard protocol, declined to comment on the live application, stating that the Secretary of State would respond to Cllr Bray’s letter in due course.
Recently re-elected Members of Parliament for Hinckley and Bosworth, Dr. Luke Evans, and South Leicestershire, Alberto Costa, have also expressed their concerns by writing to the new Secretary of State for Transport. Their letters highlight the apprehensions shared by their constituents regarding the proposed development.
A spokesperson for Tritax Symmetry offered no further comments, stating, “We are awaiting the decision from the Secretary of State for Transport and have no comment to make at this stage.”
As the local community awaits the Secretary of State’s decision, the debate over the proposed rail freight development continues to underscore the tension between national infrastructure ambitions and local priorities.
