Decision deadline for Hinckley National Freight Interchange extended

The scheme is proposed for 650 acres of land outside Hinckley and close to Burbage Common.  

The Secretary of State for Transport has extended the deadline for a decision on the application by Tritax Symmetry for the Hinckley National Rail Freight Interchange.

The deadline for a decision on the application was the 10th September 2024 however this is extended to 10th March 2025. 

A statement from the Department for Transport says 'the reason for the extension to the decision deadline is that while the Secretary of State is minded to agree with the examining authority’s recommendation that she should withhold consent, she wishes to gather further information on certain matters and to allow for the analysis of that further information before taking her final decision. She is, therefore, publishing a letter today (10 September 2024) which explains why, having weighed the benefits and adverse effects of the proposed development, she is minded to refuse consent and sets out those matters on which she requires further information.

'The decision to set a new deadline is without prejudice to the Secretary of State’s decision on whether to grant the application development consent.'

The scheme is proposed for 650 acres of land outside Hinckley and close to Burbage Common.  

Dr Luke Evans, Member of Parliament for Hinckley and Bosworth, said “I cautiously welcome the new Transport Secretary’s decision to give greater consideration to the proposed Hinckley National Rail Freight Interchange, but I’m pleased to see that she is ‘minded to refuse consent’. 

"Both myself and Alberto Costa (as MPs for the area), local councils, statutory bodies, environmental groups and residents have raised serious concerns about the lasting and material impact of the proposal and the information given by the developer during the Planning Inspectorate’s examination.

"It’s as clear to me as it is to the public that the consequences locally far outweigh any proposed national benefits, especially when considering the concerns around the information and the basis being used to justify the proposal.

"I am pleased to see that the Secretary of State is inclined to agree.

"Alberto Costa and I will be working to find out what further information the Transport Secretary is seeking.

"As ever, I will keep our community updated when I hear more."

Due to the size of the proposed development, it is classed as a ‘Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project’ with the planning decision due to be made by the Secretary of State for Transport after a recommendation made by the Planning Inspectorate. 

A statement from Tritax Symmetry said: "Tritax Symmetry will carefully consider the request for further information by the Secretary of State and look forward to working with stakeholders and statutory bodies to address any areas of concern.

"Tritax Symmetry remains committed to best in class, highly sustainable logistics development with rail freight connectivity a key driver of modal shift in the sector."

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 scheme and to see the major logistics developments in the area.

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.”