Parcel hub plans for Magna Park revisited

PLANS to build a massive warehouse complex for DHL at Magna Park are to be re-considered tomorrow.

IDI Gazeley’s application to build the 10 hectare parcel hub was approved on January 28.

But members of Harborough District Council planning committee will look again at the planning application in light of advice relating to the nearby Bittesby Deserted Medieval Village.

This is a national and statutorily protected heritage site and Scheduled Ancient Monument (SAM), the impact of the development on which was not fully explored.

A recent High Court case clarified the law on heritage issues and the council’s lawyers said the planning committee should reassess the application.

The council says a new meeting will allow for a “proper and robust interpretation” of national policy and let members consider the final terms of a section 106 agreement to ensure developers contribute towards local infrastructure and services.

The application proposes a 100,844sqm storage and distribution centre - around the size of nine football pitches - to the northwest of Mere Lane, Bittesby. It includes a new access road with roundabouts and partial dualling of the A5.

Local people are against the scheme, forming the Magna Park is Big Enough protest group. They say the medieval village was not the only issue overlooked and campaigners have written to all Harborough District councillors outlining other matters they felt were also not properly addressed.

It is one of three applications for the largest distribution park in Europe, which, if all approved, would create around 9,000 jobs.