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New details emerge for £750m freight rail hub

BBC A bridge over a rail track with fields in the backgroundBBC
A final decision on the scheme is expected in March

New details have emerged for a proposed £750m freight rail hub in Leicestershire.

Developer Tritax Symmetry wants to build the Hinckley National Rail Freight Interchange (HNRFI) on 662 acres (268 hectares) of farmland near the town.

In September, the government said it was "minded to refuse" plans for the complex while extending a consultation on the project before making a final decision in March.

Tritax has now responded to the Department of Transport over concerns previously raised by the Planning Inspectorate.

Google A satellite map showing Hinckley, Burbage and the proposed development area to the west of them, marked in red. Google
The developer said the complex would create more than 8,000 jobs

The Local Democracy Reporting Service said the concerns included the potential impact on nearby Sapcote of lorries travelling through the village, and possible issues at junctions on the M1 and M69 motorways.

Documents submitted to respond on behalf of Tritax suggest a number of "enhancements" in Sapcote in addition to a previously mooted zebra crossing, including improvements to the pedestrian area outside the Co-op, footway widening and moving the bus stop from in front of the Co-op further east along the B4669.

Other issues addressed by the documents include the potential impact on the Narborough level crossing, the Aston Firs Travellers Site and Desford Crossroads.

Interested parties now have until 7 February to make further comments for consideration by Secretary of Transport Heidi Alexander.

Google A view of a freight train from a bridge over the rail track Google

If the scheme goes ahead, nine warehouses and a rail terminal will be built, as well as a new access road to the M69.

Tritax says it will create more than 8,000 jobs, and will generate £24m a year in business rates.

Speaking previously, the firm's development director Nick Payne said: "HNRFI is about investing in Leicestershire, the environment and the future.

"Our plan will deliver thousands of jobs, new apprenticeships and skills development as well as huge carbon savings by taking HGVs off local roads.

However the proposed hub has proved controversial with South Leicestershire MP Alberto Costa and Hinckley and Bosworth MP Luke Evans claiming there was "overwhelming opposition" to the huge scheme.

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