PLANS to expand the Magna Park distribution centre near Lutterworth by more than a million square feet could be given the go-ahead within weeks, according to planning chiefs.
Planning director Gwyn Stubbings from IDI Gazeley, current operators of Magna Park, said he suspects the plans are likely to be seen by the committee before February, and hopes Harborough District Council will make a decision by the end of the month.
Parcel company DHL plans to build a new facility for their shipping division DHL Supply Chain on land adjoining Magna Park to the north of Mere Lane – which borders the north side of the current site.
DHL Supply Chain already operates four facilities at Magna Park and hope the new build will support their current operations.
Planning bosses estimate the new facility will create over 1,200 jobs – ranging from IT and sales to warehouse operatives and drivers. They are also hoping to increase the share of jobs taken by people in the Lutterworth area.
But so far the plans have already received almost 900 objections from local residents who are worried the new build could have detrimental effects on traffic in the area, pollution and destroy parts of the countryside.
One resident’s public comment on the plans said: “I am concerned the proposed development will have a detrimental impact dominating the amenity and vista of the town.
“There is also a significant imbalance in the type of employment available in Lutterworth and surrounding area towards Daventry, Rugby and Leicester. This application does not create a variety of opportunity for the local community.
“The consequence is employment from outside of Lutterworth area therefore worsening the traffic congestion and environmental problems that already blight the town.”
A spokesperson for the Cotesbach Action Group, a local campaign group urging residents to object the plans, told the Observer: “Even though it’s the same size as the millennium dome by capacity, there are two other applications awaiting decision that in total are more than six times larger.”
“Yes, jobs may be created, but up to 60 per cent of existing manga park employees are not even employed within Harborough district and not benefiting the local economy. Rugby residents travelling north will also be impacted by yet more congestion.”
To see the plans and or to leave a comment, visit Harborough District Council’s planning page and search for ’15/00919/FUL’.
