Warehousing to be built despite strong opposition

Staunch, which stands for Save Titchmarsh and Upper Nene Countryside and Habitat, fought for the appeal to be dismissed

Campaigners said they had been left with a "heavy heart" after a government-appointed planning inspector allowed a large warehousing development to go ahead.

A public inquiry was held to see if 200,000 sq m (49.42 acres) of warehousing could be built at Castle Manor Farm, near Thrapston in Northamptonshire.

Planning applicants, Equites Newlands, said the would create about 2,700 jobs and emphasised the "unmet need" for logistics in the area.

However, local campaign group Staunch said the proposals, near Haldens Parkway and the A14, would "destroy the quality of life for the many". The inspector ruled the "significant benefits" would outweigh the harms.

More than 100 members of the public attended the public inquiry, with more than 20 vocalising their objections

The large logistics site was referred to the Planning Inspectorate earlier this year after North Northamptonshire Council failed to issue a decision on the plans for three years, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

A 10-day public inquiry began in July and concluded in August.

Roger Catchpole, who led the inquiry, said in his report that the build was "justified".

"I regard the significant benefits of the proposed development sufficient to outweigh any degree of policy conflict with respect to a plan-led approach, landscape, heritage and BMV (best and most versatile land)."

He added the "adverse impacts of granting the permission" would not "significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits when assessed against the policies of the framework taken as a whole".

The warehouse is set to be built on land next to Haldens Parkway, near the A14

Staunch, which stands for Save Titchmarsh and Upper Nene Countryside and Habitat, said: "It is with a heavy heart that we must report that the appeal by Newlands Developments in relation to the mega warehouse development on the Castle Manor Farm site has been upheld by the Planning Inspectorate and planning permission granted."

It said it had "worked tirelessly to represent the communities of Thrapston, Titchmarsh and wider Upper Nene Valley and believe that we presented the best possible case that we could".

It was now going to "consider this decision in more detail and seek further advice from our barrister as to how to progress that matter".

Joseph Garner, Reform-UK councillor for Thrapston, said he was saddened at the approval.

"I did personally fight against this planning application and even rushed back to the UK, interrupting my holiday, in order to speak against the proposed development at the council's planning committee."

He praised Staunch as "tireless champions of our local countryside and wildlife".