Secretary of State for Transport will respond to letter sent by Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council Leader

The proposed Rail Freight development is earmarked for 650 acres of land outside Hinckley and close to Burbage Common.  

The new Secretary of State for Transport will respond in due course to a letter from Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council's Leader about the proposed Rail Freight development on the outskirts of Hinckley.

The Borough Council Leader has written to the new Labour Secretary of Transport, Louise Haigh MP and the new Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner, inviting them to meet with the council to discuss the scheme. 
 
The scheme from developers Tritax Symmetry is earmarked for 650 acres of land outside Hinckley and close to Burbage Common.  

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. 

Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council Leader, Cllr Stuart Bray said: "I see very little benefit in this scheme. There are no shortage 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.  
 
“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 and demonstrate why the Rail Freight proposal is so unpopular with our local residents." 
 
The Department of Transport said: "We would not comment on a live application for development consent and the Secretary of State will respond to the letter in due course. 

Dr Luke Evans and Alberto Costa, recently re-elected Members of Parliament for Hinckley and Bosworth and South Leicestershire, respectively, have written to the new Secretary of State for Transport to also raise concerns over the proposed Hinckley National Rail Freight Interchange.

A spokesperson for Tritax said: “We are awaiting the decision from the Secretary of State for Transport, and have no comment to make at this stage.”