National Infrastructure Project in Leicestershire refused by Secretary of State: Hinckley Rail Freight Interchange
Following the publication of a ‘Minded to Refuse’ letter on 10 September 2024, the Secretary of State (SoS) has issued the final refusal decision on the Hinckley Rail Freight Interchange – National Strategic Infrastructure Project (NSIP).
What is the Hinckley Rail Fright Interchange proposal?
The proposal aimed to create an 850,000 sqm logistics park with a new ‘railport’ capable of accommodating up to 16 trains of up to 775 metres each day. Supporting this was the provision of
- southern arms onto the existing M69 Junction 2,
- a new A47 link road,
- a lorry park,
- photovoltaic arrays and an energy centre/substation,
- plus associated terrain remodelling, noise attenuation measures, habitat creation, new/rerouted public routes and drainage works.
This scheme was proposed between Hinckley to the west, Sapcote/Stoney Stanton to the east and Elmsthorpe to the north.
Why was the proposal for Hinckley Rail Freight Interchange refused?
Whilst the list of concerns initially provided to the developer was reduced as part of the subsequent information submitted, it was still rejected on highway grounds on three key elements:
– Traffic concerns – capacity of the M69/M1 interchange and the knock-on effects to the local road network as a result;
– Missing Road Safety Audit – the absence of a full Road Safety Audit for the upgraded M69 Junction 2
– Pedestrian Safety in Sapcote – the uncertainty that all options to protect pedestrian safety had been explored within the village of Sapcote.
Key issues raised
These matters show the importance of making sure that the technical information supporting a proposal is both complete and accurate. Highways was always presenting itself as an issue for this NSIP proposal, given the extent of disagreement that existed with Leicestershire County Council and National Highways, a position augmented by the Borough/District Council responses and further reinforced by the local comments provided through the initial consultation responses and at every subsequent stage. The need to fully justify all elements of a proposal is a pre-requisite, even where it is identified that there is a significant need for the development. Hindsight would probably lead the applicant in this instance to have resolved the modelling issues prior to the submission of the NSIP, reducing the work required during the formal application process.
A number of other issues that were raised by the Inspector and eventually considered to be adequately resolved by way of amendments to the scheme and/or additional information also highlighted other areas where insufficient consideration appeared to have been given; this included the impact upon a settled gypsy and traveller site adjacent to the new link road.
Aitchison Raffety’s role in the process
Aitchison Raffety were involved with the early public consultations and formal NSIP consultations on behalf of a significantly affected Parish Council and identified the issues as part of the representation team that ultimately were highlighted as concerns by the Secretary of State.
Further information
A copy of the decision letter can be accessed here: TR050007-002725-Refusal Letter – Hinckley NRFI.pdf
For any questions about the decision or the process of NSIPs, please contact our Planning and Development team on 01603 880163 or email planning@argroup.co.uk