Have your say on plans for 440-acre rail freight hub between Hinckley, Burbage and Sapcote -
DEVELOPERS want to hear people’s views on their plans for a massive inland rail port near Hinckley.
DB Symmetry hopes to get Government approval to develop an industrial complex on a 440-acre site – made up mainly of farmland – between the motorway and the Hinckley to Leicester railway line.
It will need permission for the Hinckley National Rail Freight Interchange from the Planning Inspectorate rather than Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council because the project is deemed to be potentially a vital part of national infrastructure.
The firm is to launch an informal consultation on the proposals on October 22 with a series of meetings in communities.
DB Symmetry said it wants to build a multi-purpose cargo interchange and distribution centre alongside new and improved rail and road connections, at Junction 2 of the M69.
It has suggested the venture could create 8,400 jobs.
A spokesman said: “We are committed to engaging with the community about the plans. Residents are being invited to attend public exhibitions across the area.
“The purpose of these is to provide residents with an opportunity to hear more about the proposals, speak to members of the project team and provide their feedback.”
There will be a formal consultation in the spring.
Hinckley county councillor David Bill said he had serious concerns about the scheme.
He said: “This is not the right place for such a huge development. The only reason it has been picked is because there is a mile-long stretch of railway that could accommodate the length of trains they are proposing.
This is not something theoretical. It really could happen. Councillor David Bill
“If we had lots of factories in the area it might be understandable but we do not.
“This is an area of open countryside which will be devastated and this development will push right up to the edge of Burbage Common.
“I’m a great supporter of the railways and normally I’d be the first to welcome anything that transfers from road to rail.
“However, we are going to have an unknown quantity of lorries on roads that are already overburdened.
“People really must attend these meetings. This is not something theoretical. It really could happen if not enough people make the arguments against it.”