Leicestershire MPs Alberto Costa and Dr Luke Evans recently met with the Minister of State for Rail, Huw Merriman MP, to discuss the Government’s policy for the placement of Strategic Rail Freight Interchanges. The meeting took place ahead of the planning application for the Hinckley National Rail Freight Interchange (HNRFI) which was submitted by developers Tritax Symmetry on 3rd February 2023.
With the planning application now submitted, the Planning Inspectorate have until Monday 6th March to decide whether to accept the application prior to a six-month long examination, which will include public hearings, with a final decision expected mid next year. As the proposals are deemed to be of ‘national importance,’ the application will be decided by the Secretary of State for Transport.
Alberto, MP for South Leicestershire where the site risks being 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 a previous speech in the House of Commons, Alberto stated that there were already seven Rail Freight Interchanges within a 40-mile radius of the proposed HNRFI site near Elmesthorpe.
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 coming weeks.
Alberto said, “I was very pleased to meet with the Rail Minister and Dr Luke Evans, MP for Bosworth, to discuss local concerns about the lack of a suitable national policy for the placement of these huge Rail Freight Interchanges
“As I have raised in Parliament previously, there are no fewer than seven Rail Freight Interchanges located within just 40 miles of the HNRFI development. Clearly, there is a need for more joined up thinking in Government to help guide where these interchanges should be best placed to maximise effectiveness and to run as efficiently as possible. Dr Luke and I will continue to work on behalf of our constituents to make sure that their concerns are heard in relation to the proposed HNRFI, and we will continue doing all we can to oppose this unnecessary and unwanted development.”
Dr Luke Evans, Member of Parliament for Bosworth, said, “We know all too well that we are blessed locally with green space, but as our area is at the heart of the UK, we have become a logistics hotspot. It’s imperative we protect nature in the Midlands, but also use our land wisely.
“With multiple Rail Freight Interchanges already located within 40 miles of the proposed Hinckley site we must look at whether another one is truly necessary, particularly when it dominates and encroaches on the local environment, such as our wonderful Burbage Common. A joined up national strategy is essential.
“I’m grateful to the Minister for meeting with Alberto and I, and for listening to our concerns about national policy for the placement of these Rail Hubs. We will continue to work together on this, ensuring the Government are aware of concerns raised by residents across Bosworth and South Leicestershire about the impact this will have on our infrastructure and environment.”
