Fresh plans to expand logistics hub submitted
DEVELOPERS have resubmitted plans to expand a logistics hub after a previous proposal was rejected because of concerns the buildings would be intrusive for neighbours.
The proposal sets out to expand the Neovia base, off Peckleton Lane, Desford, by demolishing a building and creating four units, with 85,000 square metres of floor space, on fields to the north of the facility.
Councillors at Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council turned down the original scheme because of concerns one of the buildings would impose on homes in Peckleton Lane.
The new plans have set back the unit an additional 18 metres from the road and would include a five metre-high embankment along the road, in efforts to address the concern.
When the initial plans were considered, councillors were also worried about the additional traffic to and from the expanded facility, amid ongoing issues with HGV traffic headed for the site going through the village.
Desford Parish Council sent in comments about the first application, warning that the development would lead to more pressure on the roads in the centre of Desford.
The authority said that the junction at Peckleton Lane and High Street and the central roundabout would become even more congested at peak times if the scheme was approved.
In March, residents complained that workers at the depot had been clogging up the roads during staff changeover times.
Villagers said the extra traffic caused a bottle-neck near the Co-op in High Street, with Neovia staff using Parkstone Road as a cut-through.
That led to police speaking to managers at the company about the issue and a Neovia representative told the Mercury it had notified workers and reminded them to follow the signs when arriving and departing.
In 2017, the company paid for new signs to be installed in Manor Road and Station Road, to urge lorries heading to the site to avoid going through Desford.
Pressure on the village’s roads has become an issue because of other proposed developments.
Plans for 120 homes at Ashfield Farm, off Kirkby Road, were refused again in December, because of traffic concerns and the impact on the landscape.
Councillor Robin Webber-Jones, who represents Desford on the borough council, said at the time that the village was at “breaking point” in terms of amenities.
Plans were approved in July 2019 for an estate of 80 homes off Barns Way, opposite Bosworth Academy.
The fresh scheme will be decided this week.