MP opposes warehouse scheme in open letter

MP Lee Barron said he was worried about the development's impact on communities

An MP has shared an open letter opposing a warehousing scheme and urged local planners to "closely consider residents' voices".

North Northamptonshire Council's planning committee is due to discuss an application for a 148-acre (60-hectare) site on greenfield land, north of Halden's Parkway Industrial Estate in Thrapston.

Lee Barron, the MP for Corby and East Northamptonshire, said IM Properties Developments Ltd's application "fails to consider the impact this proposal will have on our communities".

IM Properties said Mr Barron's letter was addressed to councillors and it would not be appropriate for it to comment on the planning process.

In a report to the council's planning committee, council officers recommended the scheme for approval, subject to conditions including "the requirements of habitats regulations", as it would reduce nesting sites for birds.

The report stated that 722 full-time jobs would be created under the plans, and the application "responds to strong market demand in the logistics sector".

It added that more than 2,000 jobs could be expected "through direct, indirect and construction employment".

The proposed site is close to the site of another warehousing scheme on Castle Manor Farm, to the east of the industrial estate, which is set to go before a planning inquiry on 22 July.

The applicant wants to build warehouses to the north of the Haldens Parkway Industrial Estate and the A14

In his letter, Barron said: "I would like to let residents know again that whilst I have no role in approving or rejecting this proposal, I stand against the plans."

Barron said that the area "already faces challenges of road traffic and heavy goods vehicles breaching weight restrictions".

Stantec, which was named in the council report as acting as the agent for the proposal, has also been approached for comment.