IM Properties Thrapston scheme gets greenlight

By Liza Helps, Property Editor, Logistics Matters

THE HYBRID planning application which includes detailed consent for a 1,07 million ft2 flagship distribution centre for global transport and logistics company DSV, was approved on Wednesday.

The scheme being brought forward on a 148-acre greenfield site has been highly controversial with more than 800 letters of objection.

Logistics Matters reported earlier this week that local MP Lee Barron, who was against the development, had sent an open letter to councillors to ‘consider resident’s voices’ in the matter.

However, the planning committee agreed with planning officers and gave the scheme ,which will be built carbon net zero and set to achieve BREEAM Excellent and  EPC A ratings, the green light.

The planning officers noted that the development would provide a significant gross jobs, thought to be circa 2,000, including indirect and direct employment from supply chain, with work experience and training opportunities both in the construction and operational phases of the scheme.

In addition, the planning report to councillors noted that given the scale of the investment and employment created through the proposed development, the anticipated benefits to the economy are considered to be substantial. 

While this scheme has been approved, the planning committee refused a similar scheme being brought forward by Newlands Development on another 148-acre site in Thrapston where it proposed 2.2 million ft2 of warehouse development.

Logistics Matters reported that the Newlands scheme is already subject to a planning appeal to be decided by the Planning Inspectorate later this month, but in June planning officers wished the Council’s planning committee to vote on the scheme prior to that date believing that the committee would follow their recommendations and approve the scheme.