Hinckley National Rail Freight interchange refused by Secretary of State

The proposed site was on land next to Burbage Common.

The Secretary of State has decided to refuse development consent for the proposed Hinckley National Rail Freight interchange.

The application was for a 662-acre hub on land east of the railway line and west of the M69.

Dr Luke Evans, Member of Parliament for Hinckley and Bosworth, said “What a huge success for our community! After years of this hanging over us, and all the hard work from everyone in our area, we’ve finally had confirmed what we knew all along; this project is inappropriate. 
 
“This will be a huge relief for many people across our area. Any perceived benefit of the Hinckley NRFI was clearly outweighed by the construction and operation of this site, and I’m so pleased to see it has been rejected. 
 
“The impact this would have had is so significant I am pleased the Government has finally heard the concerns from Councils, infrastructure groups, the Planning Inspectorate, environmental campaigners, the public and local MPs, and seen sense to turn down the proposal. 
 
“While the developers still have a chance to appeal the decision, I hope they choose not to given the strength of feeling and the substance of the Planning Inspector's report. 
 
"I would personally like to say thank you again to everyone who gave their time and effort to make their objections known, I know it’s been a long road but we finally did it!"

Tritax Big Box said: "Tritax Big Box Developments is disappointed by the Secretary of State for Transport’s decision to refuse the Development Consent Order for HNRFI in Leicestershire.
 
"We are seeking legal advice on the next steps available to us and will review our position when that advice is received.
 
"We remain committed to delivering critical supply chain infrastructure that is key to the UK economy, with rail freight connectivity a key driver of the modal shift in the sector. "

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.”