High Court to decide on giant warehouse review

A drone shot of the incomplete warehouse - a grey structure that stretches across the frame several metres in front of a housing estate. The estate backs directly onto the warehouse land. Image source, Dawid Wojtowicz/ BBC
Image caption,

The council approved the new warehouse project on the former Weetabix site in September 2023

  • Published

A court will decide whether to grant a judicial review into the construction of a giant warehouse following a string of planning errors.

The case has been brought by residents in Hooke Close, in Corby, after North Northamptonshire Council (NNC) approved the new warehouse despite consulting the wrong street.

A two-day hearing is now under way at the High Court in London, where evidence is being heard and a judge will determine if a judicial review will be granted.

Georgie Wallis, resident and lead applicant in the review, said action had been taken because of a "complete failure to consult residents".

Image source, Kate Bradbrook/BBC
Image caption,

Hooke Close residents now have a different view from their back gardens

Permission for the site was granted by the council in 2022, but it was only after a 60ft metal frame was built - and residents complained - that the council realised the error.

Council planning officers had sent notices to Hubble Road, which is about half a mile (750m) from the site, instead of Hooke Close.

Planning notices were also placed on the wrong lampposts.

Earlier this year, an internal review found that the decision to grant planning permission for the huge warehouse did not comply with law.

Jason Smithers, leader of North Northamptonshire Council, said the council will “fully cooperate with the hearing, if permission to appeal is granted”.

The hearing continues.

Get in touch

Do you have a story suggestion for Northamptonshire?

Follow Northamptonshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, external, Instagram, external and X, external.