Kettering development public inquiry starts

By Liza Helps Property Editor Logistics Matters

THE SCHEME first proposed by Buccleuch Property is an extension to Kettering Business Park. The company is looking to build five warehouses and a manufacturing unit totalling 432,870 ft2.

However, in order to develop the buildings the proposals also includes the removal of 9.88 acres of woodland, which is accessed via a public right of way that happens to bisect the site, which became an increasingly popular dog walk during lockdown.

The campaign to Save Weekley Hall Woods was quickly formed during lockdown using social media with Twitter, Facebook and Instagram accounts as well as a Change.org petition featuring campaigners from Extinction Rebellion, the Green Party, Labour, Greenpeace, Friends of the Earth, and Kettering Eco Group. A petition against the plan has been signed by 23,000 people.

Buccleuch called for a public inquiry because North Northampton council took too long to make a determination on the site. The decision to grant planning will now be in the hands of the inspector rather than local councillors.

Last year, the council granted planning permission for a 120,000 ft2 extension for the existing IM Kelly facility.In its recommendation to approve the proposal, the council said the development was a “logical expansion of the existing IM Kelly facility, creating 150 new jobs”.