Minister rejects rail hub scheme
Blaby District Council is delighted plans for the Hinckley National Rail Freight Interchange (HNRFI) have been rejected.
The Council received a letter today from the Secretary of State for Transport, Heidi Alexander MP, confirming the refusal.
The Council had opposed plans for the 662-acre hub, earmarked for a huge expanse of countryside between the M69 and the Birmingham to Leicester rail line. Lying southwest of Elmesthorpe and on the edge of Burbage Common, the rail hub was the brainchild of developers Tritax Symmetry.
Council leaders repeatedly warned the rail hub and warehousing scheme would destroy vast swathes of the District and have far-reaching adverse highways, environmental and social impacts.
Classed as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project, which initially began in 2018, the final say on the scheme lay with the Secretary of State for Transport.
Following an in-depth, six-month examination by the Planning Inspectorate last year the Minister was recommended to reject the plans.
In September 2024 Ms Alexander’s predecessor, Louise Haigh MP, agreed, saying she was ‘minded to refuse’ the project. However, she gave developers, Tritax Symmetry, more time to submit further evidence in support of their application. A new decision date of Monday 10 March was set.
Reacting to the announcement, Councillor Terry Richardson, Leader of Blaby District Council, said: "I am delighted and relieved the Minister has listened to the overwhelming opposition from the Council and the public and rejected these proposals. Common sense has prevailed. At last we have clarity and residents can move forward without the threat of this monstrous development over their heads."
Councillor Ben Taylor, Portfolio Holder for Planning, said: "I’d like to thank our residents for the time and effort they put into voicing their concerns. I’d also like to thank our own officers and project team for the sterling work they have done to defend our District from this ill-considered scheme."
Councillor Terry Richardson
Leader of the Council
Councillor Ben Taylor
Portfolio Holder for Planning