Campaigners raise £17k for warehouse plan appeal

About 100 protesters turned up to the planning meeting in September 2024

A campaign group fighting plans for a logistics hub has raised thousands to fight an appeal.

The DHL logistics firm has challenged West Northamptonshire Council's decision to refuse permission for the development on the edge of Towcester in Northamptonshire.

"Save Towcester Now" said the hub would "dominate the landscape" and generate a lot of new traffic.

DHL said the council's decision to reject the plan was "very disappointing" as there were no statutory objections.

DHL's proposal would cover an area of farmland equivalent to 45 football pitches.

It includes a 26,200 sq m warehouse and development land for further buildings with a maximum height of 21.5m.

DHL said it would offer "the highest standards of sustainable development" and more than 1,200 jobs.

The hub would occupy a 32-hectate site near the junction of the A5 and the A43

Protesters described the scheme as "a monstrosity" which would have generated "traffic and pollution".

Councillors were advised by their officers to grant permission in September 2024, but decided to refuse consent because of the visual impact of the development and the increase in traffic it would cause.

DHL lodged an appeal in November and a hearing will take place on 18 February.

Evidence will be collected until 28 January.

Save Towcester Now said the funds it has raised - almost £17,000 - would be used for its legal and professional costs for the appeal.

The planning inspector could overturn the Conservative-controlled council's decision.

Isla Whitcroft co-founded the "Save Towcester Now" campaign against large developments in the area

Isla Whitcroft, who co-founded the Save Towcester Now campaign, said: "We are extremely grateful for the donations that have come through so rapidly.

"This shows the full support of Towcester and the surrounding areas to Save Towcester Now and against this development.

"You don't get this money so quickly if people aren't really, really worried."