DHL logistics scheme plans rejected

By Liza Helps Property Editor Logistics Matters

WEST NORTHAMPTONSHIRE planning committee members have voted  to refuse planning 11 to one for a 1.2 million ft2 industrial and logistics scheme near Towcester in the East Mildlands flying in the face of planning officer recommendations to approve the scheme.

It has been extremely controversial with more than 1,100 letter of objection from local residents as well as objections from Towcester council and a further 16 parish councils, the British Horse Society, and Campaign for the Protection of Rural England (CPRE).

Local reporters noted that there were around 100 campaigners outside the meeting room chanting  against the development and holding up banners as planning officer and committee members  entered the meeting.

Newly elected Conservative MP Sarah Bool as well as a number of councillors, have supported the campaigners  against the development with one councillor directly criticising the planning department as ‘inadequate’ and ‘useless’.

The scheme would have seen DHL secure an initial 250,000 ft2 BREEAM Excellent distribution centre as well as land for a new home for Towcester Town Football Club. 

Planning officer supported the scheme as it would have provided the local sub regional economy with 1,300 full time equivalent jobs and provided a £50 million a year GDV. Planning officers had said the level of economic growth in this location is supported by the development plan and other council adopted strategies, as well as the NPPF. 

DHL has said it would appeal the decision.