The 440 acre Hinckley National Rail Freight Interchange is being proposed for countryside east of Hinckley, 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.
A six-month-long examination phase will start later this year.
This means that during the next few months stakeholders, including the public, will be asked for their views.
The approval of the application has disappointed Blaby District Council as they submitted an Adequacy of Consultation Representation which stated that the consultation failed to provide accurate detail and mitigation on impacts on highways and the landscape, as well as the extra barrier down time at Narborough Level Crossing in terms of its effects on both traffic congestion and air quality for residents.
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.
