Rural warehouse decision is 'devastating', says MP

MP Lee Barron said the concerns of locals had not been properly considered by the planning inspector

A planning inspector's decision to allow a controversial warehousing development to be built was "devastating" for the local community, a Labour MP said.

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

Planning applicants, Equites Newlands, said it would create about 2,700 jobs and emphasised the "unmet need" for logistics in the area, with the planning inspector ultimately ruling that the "significant benefits" would outweigh the harms.

However, Lee Barron, the MP for Corby and East Northamptonshire, said the site was "simply not fit for purpose".

He said: "It [the planning inspector decision] hasn't taken into account the feelings of local people, the local communities in any way, shape or form."

The move comes against a backdrop of the Labour government's ambition to grow the economy and build 1.5 million new homes in England by 2029.

"We all want growth, we all want jobs," said Barron.

"I have to say what we need to do is to make sure that developments like this provide that growth and bring those jobs."

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

Despite the plans being allowed, residents continued to have concerns about the scheme.

Kevin Shapland from Save Titchmarsh and Upper Nene Coutryside and Habitat, also known as Staunch, said that the warehouse project lacked suitable infrastructure.

He said: "[It is adding] Traffic congestion in an already heavily congested area. From air pollution to light pollution and to noise. This will impact people on very much a daily basis.

"If you look at the rest of North Northamptonshire, where there have been developments of this scale, they have all been supported by large-scale infrastructure.

"The infrastructure for this particular site is minimal."

Reform UK-controlled North Northamptonshire Council, which lost the planning appeal, said it would liaise with the developer and look at the implications for other decisions.

'Much needed jobs'

Clare Bottle said the employment benefits for the local area were huge

Despite local opposition, logistics industry professionals remain convinced that good would come from the scheme at Castle Manor Farm.

According to Clare Bottle from the UK Warehousing Association, the developer will pay "millions of pounds every year" in business rates.

She said: "It's those business rates that help to fund the services that people in this local community take advantage of.

"But the real biggy here is about employment. In Northamptonshire, one in five people works in the wider logistics economy.

"This will be bringing really much-needed jobs."

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