Leicestershire MPs Alberto Costa and Dr Luke Evans have written to the Transport Secretary to reiterate their concerns over the proposals for the Hinckley National Rail Freight Interchange (HNRFI) with the formal planning application expected to be submitted early next year.
Alberto, MP for South Leicestershire where the site would be located near the village of Elmesthorpe, has previously raised the planned rail hub in debates in Parliament, and has been supported by Dr Luke Evans, MP for Bosworth, whose constituency borders the proposed site.
In their letter to the Secretary of State for Transport, The Rt. Hon Mark Harper MP, the MPs expressed their concern over the rail hub’s environmental impact on nearby Burbage Common, a site of Special Scientific Interest, the site’s effect on local infrastructure with 8,000 people expected to be employed at the hub, and the potential disruption for passenger train services at nearby Narborough station with one-mile-long freight trains expected to service the new interchange.
Both MPs have also previously issued surveys to their constituents in South Leicestershire and Bosworth seeking local views on the rail hub’s impact, with Mr Costa planning a further survey in the New Year.
Alberto said, “With the planning application for the Hinckley National Rail Freight Interchange (HNRFI) expected to be submitted early next year, I am pleased to once again be working closely with Dr Luke Evans MP, my constituency neighbour, in making strong representations to the Transport Secretary over our constituents’ concerns.”
“As I have mentioned in Parliament previously, the sheer size and scale of the proposed Rail Hub could have a hugely detrimental impact on our local environment and infrastructure in this part of Leicestershire, and therefore the Government needs to be made aware of the considerable concerns my constituents, and those in Bosworth, have over these plans before taking any decisions.”
Dr Luke added, “Following news that Tritax have concluded the consultation into the viability of a Rail Freight Interchange in Hinckley I have also written to the developers to request a list of any amendments made to the proposals previously shared with us. While lowering the maximum height of the building from 33m to 28m is welcome, many questions from our community regarding the strain on transport links remain unanswered.
“Alberto and I will continue to work together on this, ensuring the Government are aware of the concerns raised by many people across both Bosworth and South Leicestershire about the impact this will have on our infrastructure and the local environment, particularly our wonderful Burbage Common.”
