Dr Luke Evans, Member of Parliament for Bosworth, and Penny Mordaunt, Leader of the House of Commons, have urged concerned residents across Hinckley and Bosworth to have their say on Hinckley National Rail Freight Interchange (NRFI) proposals.
After Dr Evans’ call for a debate on creating a national strategy on the placement of Rail Freight Interchanges in the Midlands, Penny Mordaunt echoed the plea by Bosworth’s MP for residents to share their views directly with the Planning Inspectorate.
Following a public consultation by the NRFI developer, Tritax Symmetry, which ended last year, residents across Hinckley and Bosworth are now able to share their concerns on how the proposal will impact their day-to-day life.
Dr Luke Evans, Member of Parliament for Bosworth, asked “Tritax Symmetry has formally applied for the Hinckley Rail Freight Interchange and now there is a formal and legal chance for everyone to register their interest and have their say. So I am urging all my constituents and residents, particularly those in Burbage, Barwell, Earl Shilton and Hinckley to do exactly that.
“I have been working with the Member for South Leicestershire, Alberto Costa, but neither he nor I have the power to stop this. I know that the process is quasi-judicial so I cannot ask the Leader of the House to comment specifically on that case, but can we have a debate on creating a national strategy for railway freight interchanges to ensure they are joined up in in places such as the midlands, where they can be so problematic?”
Penny Mordaunt MP, Leader of the House of Commons, responded “I thank the Member for Bosworth for raising this important matter. The national networks national policy statement provides developers with a clear statement of Government policy on the development of strategic rail freight interchanges and that statement is the responsibility of the Secretary of State for Transport.
“I would be happy to make sure that the Department is aware of my hon. Friend’s focus on the matter and we stand ready to assist him.
“I thank him for making sure that all the interested parties who wish to have their say are aware of the pre-examination process that is being advertised.”
Speaking after his question, Dr Evans added “There are already multiple Rail Freight Interchanges within 40 miles of the proposed Hinckley NRFI. With the impact this proposal would have on our infrastructure and environment, particularly the much-loved Burbage Common, it’s imperative that we have a conversation about the placement of Rail Hubs across the Midlands.
"While the proposals may bring jobs and help with our nation's net zero ambitions, the lack of a national strategy leads to duplication of these type of sites across our region, which just doesn't make economic, environmental or logistical sense!
“I’m pleased the Leader of the House joined me in urging residents to share their views on the proposed Hinckley NRFI. Registering as an Interested Party and submitting your views to the Planning Inspectorate is a critical step in ensuring our concerns are heard by those who make the recommendation.”
