22.10.14
Another rail freight interchange faces local opposition
A planned Strategic Rail Freight Interchange (SRFI) in the East Midlands is facing opposition from a local action group who want the plans scrapped.
The opposition to the East Midlands Gateway is reminiscent of the struggles faced to get the Radlett SRFI built.
The East Midlands facility would see a 250-acre freight depot site created by East Midlands Airport. It would include an intermodal freight terminal accommodating up to 16 trains per day. The trains could be up to 775m long and there would also be space for container storage and HGV parking. A new rail line would connect the terminal to the existing freight only line at Castle Donnington.
If it receives planning permission, it will be built on farmland and woodland areas to the north of the airport and to the west of junction 24 of the M1.
The new distribution hub, proposed by Roxhill, could create up to 7,000 jobs, but residents and parish councils have united to form Junction 24 Action Group (JAG) to oppose the plans.
JAG’s main complaints are that the development will destroy more than 600 acres of farmland and wildlife habitats, and increase traffic and noise and light pollution in the area.
Roxhill, which first revealed the plans two years ago, said the site would help to move goods from the airport to other areas of the country by rail and then lorry and would boast improved transport links to the M1, rail network and airport.
The developer said that as well as improving the surrounding road network, including a bypass at Kegworth and improvements to Junction 24 of the M1, the site would be “strategically landscaped”.
Roxhill said: “The proposal is expected to generate around 7,000 direct jobs and include training opportunities and integrated public transport facilities.
“Associated with the scheme will be large-scale road improvements and a new direct rail link to the Castle Donington branch freight line.”
Plans for the project were submitted to the government’s Planning Inspectorate earlier this month. A decision is expected by the end of next year.
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