HNRFI Latest Update – 10 September 2024
The Secretary of State is minded to refuse this application, subject to further information or evidence from the Applicant on a number of specific issues. The following documents have been published:
Secretary of State’s Letter dated 10 September 2024 (PDF, 354KB)
Examining Authority’s Recommendation Report (PDF, 6MB)
To allow time for the Applicant to submit further information by 10 December 2024 and to allow for consultation on the further information with Interested Parties, the Secretary of State has set a new deadline of 10 March 2025 for her decision on this application. For further information, please refer to the Written Ministerial Statement laid in Parliament.
The reason for the extension to the decision deadline is that while the Secretary of State is minded to agree with the examining authority’s recommendations that she should withhold consent, she wishes to gather further information on certain matters to allow for the analysis of that further information before taking her final decision.
HNRFI Update August 2024
Our MPs, Alberto Costa and Dr Luke Evans, have written to the new Secretary of State for Transport, Louise Haigh raising their concerns regarding this proposed development.
Members of the SSAG and Stoney Stanton Parish Council attended the last meeting at Elmesthorpe, organised by Tritax. There will not be any further meetings until after the Secretary of State has made a decision – still expected to be by September 12th 2024.
We would still encourage anyone who has major concerns regarding the rail freight development, to write to their local MP and the Secretary of State with their comments. Contact details are below:
alberto.costa.mp@parliament.uk South Leicestershire
luke.evans.mp@parliament.uk Hinckley & Bosworth
Secretary of State for Transport – Louise Haigh:
House of Commons
London
SW1A 0AA
Phone: 0207 219 5255
Email: louise.haigh.mp@parliament.uk
HNRFI Update June 2024
On 13th June we sent an email to all 5 parliamentary candidates for South Leicestershire asking them their opinion of the proposed HNRFI development and what actions they would take if elected. We received replies from Lib Dem and Green. Their replies are shown below:
Green Party:
Thank you for your email, I have followed events closely over the past couple of years and have watched several of the hearings online. I also have submitted my thoughts / objections on the proposal to the inquiry.
Whilst the Green Party supports moving freight off roads and on to the rail infrastructure, the branch line I believe is unsuitable for this development for many reasons that you are more than well aware of including not being electrified and unlikely to be so. Also its location and the impact on the local area including biodiversity loss, I believe is totally unacceptable. The fear also that this simply becomes a road freight logistics hub I think is well founded.
If you do look at my social media, I am in favour of the line being used more for passenger trains and I am trying to raise the idea of rebuilding / reopening the station at Blaby.
As you will be aware one objection often repeated by a certain elected local representative was the impact to Narborough / Littlethorpe of the level crossing being closed more often. Whilst this is a valid concern which I support. I don’t think it came across well as a point of objection in this case. I would like to see other ideas being suggested by those who are in office solve this issue. Hopefully removing the level crossing and replacing it with another solution, as restricting the use of the line for more trains because of a level crossing doesn’t come across well when I have discussed this with other people.
If I was elected, I would use any means at my disposal to stop further progress on this proposal, I am aware this is now with the Secretary of State and a decision is expected in September, I wish you all the best and hope the decision is to reject the proposal.
Kind regards,
Mike Jelfs
Liberal Democrats:
Thank you for writing to me on this matter. I attach the link to my Facebook page article
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/XgNyGcoiEUFvxwtD/
I hope this clarifies my stance on HNRFI. If elected, I am eager to collaborate with your group to swiftly oppose this. I will promptly reach out to the Secretary of State to voice my views on the matter.
Kind Regards
Paul Hartshorn
Conservative Party – Alberto Costa – Conservative candidate has published his stance (opposing the HNRFI) in his election leaflet.
HNRFI Update – April 2024
The examination process, administered by The Planning Inspectorate, concluded on Tuesday 12 March 2024. The Secretary of State for Transport is expected to make a decision on this by the end of September 2024.
HNRFI Update – March 2024
Stoney Stanton Action Group attended the Issue Specific Hearing 6 (ISH6) on Traffic and Transport, and Noise that took place on 24th January 2024.
The final deadline for submission of evidence by registered Interested Parties is this Friday 8th March, and so the SSAG will be submitting a ‘Summary of Cases’ document by this deadline.
As you will know the application is currently with the independent Planning Inspectorate who are gathering evidence. You can find more information about what can be submitted, and by who, using this link: https://national-infrastructure-consenting.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/projects/TR050007/examination-timetable
The examination closes on 12th March 2024, then it will be passed over to the Planning Inspectorate to make a recommendation.
It usually takes a number of months for such recommendations to be decided so there will be a ‘quiet period’ while this is being worked on by the independent Inspectorate.
Conservative Party – Alberto Costa’s (Conservative) position is known as has been published in his leaflet.”
HNRFI Update – January 2024
An Issue Specific Hearing (ISH) about transport and noise will be held on January 24th 2024 at The Sketchley Grange Hotel, Hinckley LE10 3HU commencing at 10.00 am, and also on Microsoft Teams.
Further details and documentation relating to HNRFI application can be found here.
Disposal of Land by Blaby District Council
It has come to our attention that Blaby District Council has issued a notice stating that they intend to sell a parcel of land used as public open space at South Drive, Stoney Stanton. Any representations or objections to the disposal must be made in writing to Blaby District Council, Desford Road, Narborough, Leicester LE19 2EP or email property.services@blaby.gov.uk no later than 5pm on 23rd November 2023. All representations and objections must state the grounds of the objection or representation. A copy of the plan showing the area in question may be inspected free of charge online at www.blaby.gov.uk/stoney-stanton-map
7 November 2023 update
The Stoney Stanton Action Group submitted a detailed written representation to the Examining Authority by the October deadline. A copy of it can be viewed by clicking the link below:
https://stoneystanton.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/SSAG_HNRFI_WR_v6.pdf
In the week beginning October 30th, members of the group attended both the the Open Floor Hearing and the Issue Specific Hearings.
Alberto Costa , MP for South Leicestershire and Luke Evans, MP for Hinckley & Bosworth, both spoke in opposition to the HNRFI proposal. You can watch recordings of the meetings using the links on the Planning Inspectorate website https//Infrastructure.planninginspectorate.gov.uk . More Open Floor Hearings will be held on 11th December.
The full examination timetable can be found via the link above to the Planning Inspectorate website .The examination will close by March 12th 2024 . The Planning Inspectorate will then pass on details of the examination and their recommendation to the Secretary of State for Transport , Mark Harper, who has up to three months to make the final decision.
5 November 2023 update:
The Examining Body has now held the open and specific hearings as per the examination timetable.
The recording of the first Open Hearing can be found here.
Further details can be found on the PINS website
11 October 2023 – Planning application for warehousing at Highfields Farm Enterprise, Stoney Stanton, is now live (application 23/0740/FUL)
The proposed development comprising the erection of 4 buildings (7687 sq.m. total) to house 8 industrial/warehouse units with associated access, parking and landscaping is now live with responses due to Blaby District Council by 23rd October 2023. Further details can be found here.
You may make a comment supporting or objecting to this application online here:
HNRFI Update On 4th October 2023, SSAG committee members attended an online meeting about the PINS process for the HNRFI examination. The meeting was hosted by Alberto Costa MP and Dr Luke Evans MP, with many district and local councillors in attendance.
The main points made at the meeting were:
- If you have already registered as an Interested Party by submitting a Relevant Representation (RR), then please also submit a Written Representation (WR) by the deadline 23:59 on 10th October 2023.
- Even if it is a very short WR, it would be worthwhile – focus on the things you are most concerned about as this will vary between individuals and groups / organisations.
- Even if you haven’t registered, you can still input a written comment by writing to one of the MPs:
- alberto.costa.mp@parliament.uk Blaby
- luke.evans.mp@parliament.uk Hinckley & Bosworth
- If you have registered as an Interested Party, then, if you can, attend hearings about issues you are most concerned about (hearings listed below)
- Preferably register to speak at the hearings – you need to register to speak by 10th October
- Make comments about where information is inadequate / missing / or difficult to access. These are important things for the examiners to hear
- You cannot make comments about the PINS process or National Policy Statements themselves, but it is important to make comments about why the HNRFI proposal doesn’t comply with National Policies (e.g. The National Policy Statement for for National Networks – NN NPS)
The Planning Inspectorate have advised that representations should prioritise ‘quality over quantity’. One way to achieve this is by referring back to the developers own submissions. You can find all documents pertaining to the application here: https://national-infrastructure-consenting.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/projects/TR050007/documents
September 12th and 13th – Summary of preliminary meetings between Planning Inspectorate Examining Authority and Tritax (Developer) regarding Hinckley Rail Freight application:
Requests, including representation from local MPs, were made for subsequent meetings to be held more locally, and outside office hours, so those working could attend; a venue closer to the proposed site has been secured for future meetings.
At least 1 meeting will be held in the evening as per the timetable. A finalised timetable will be issued by the ExA shortly; in the meantime the draft timetable can be viewed here (on pages E1 – E5 towards the end of the document)
The ExA (Examining Authority) are aware of some issues people experienced when trying to register as interested parties so have asked those that have had difficulties or are not receiving the updates to get in touch with the Case Team – Contact details are:
National Infrastructure Planning, Temple Quay House, 2 The Square, BRISTOL, BS1 6PN
Tel Customer Services 0303 444 5000, or email: HinckleySRFI@planninginspectorate.gov.uk
Alternatively you can contact the Stoney Stanton Action Group via email: info@stoneystanton.co.uk and we will raise the issue for you.
Current representations people have already submitted will stand. However there is now an opportunity to submit a more detailed representation. If you feel that the information submitted by the applicant is deficient in any way, you need to include in this further submission. Further details will be sent direct to those who registered as Interested Parties (Rule 8 letter). These must be submitted by 10 October. Make a submission
Key points raised during the meetings this week:
- Highways authority were not satisfied with information they had received so far and were unable to proceed with Local Impact reports and Safety Audit, until more detailed traffic modelling was submitted.
- There was some confusion about the cited employment statistics, and the subsequent number of road trips. TSH were asked to explain in simple arithmetic terms the differences in numbers they’ve used for employment and traffic generation figures. To be provided by 10th October
- There is opportunity to request further site visits, if there are particular areas that people feel should be visited – a post regarding how to request this will be posted in the coming days.
- A representative from the Council for the Protection of Rural England asked about how Climate Change is being considered, and the National Highways representative asked for Road and rail to be dealt with separately.
- TSH were asked to consider whether a cap to the amount of power produced by the power plant is necessary and if not, change how it is presented in the draft Development Consent Order (dDCO)
- The dDCO had been reviewed by the Examining Authority resulting in many questions and changes. TSH were asked to ensure that new versions of documents be provided in a way that allows changes to be clearly identified
- One item that caused us more concern than many was a discussion about closing Smithy Lane leading to Burbage Woods. A proposal for an alternative Bridle Way had been included but on the surface that does not seem to offer the access and car-parking that visitors to the Wood need. This will be challenged by SSAG. If you want us to raise any issues on your behalf on this point, then please contact us at info@stoneystanton.co.uk
Recordings of the meetings on 12th and 13th September can be viewed via the links below:
Preliminary Meeting 12th September Part 1
Preliminary Meeting 12th September Part 2
Recording of Issue Specific Hearing 1 (ISH1) – Part 1 – 13 September 2023
Recording of Issue Specific Hearing 1 (ISH1) – Part 2 – 13 September 2023
September 2023 – HNRFI upcoming Preliminary Meeting (PM) scheduled for Tuesday 12 September 2023 – those who registered as Interested Parties will have been invited to attend either in person or virtually online.
PLEASE NOTE – any members of the public can use the link above to view proceedings
The purpose of this initial meeting is procedural only, laying out how the examination will work, and no representations will be heard at the meeting.
23 August 2023 – Development proposal – Huncote Road, Stoney Stanton
This is very late notice, but some people in the village have received a leaflet entitled “Huncote Road, Stoney Stanton Public Consultation”. The proposal is to develop 40 new homes in the field on the left hand side as you leave the village on the road toward Huncote. The Stoney Stanton Action Group are not aware of many people who have received leaflet and have assumed that the leaflet was sent to the people who live closest to the site in question. See photos of leaflet.
The leaflet shows a close date of 25th August for comments, and states that responses can be made by filling in a form and using a FREEPOST envelope both supplied with the leaflet. However there is also an email address provided – stoneystanton@social.co.uk , this can also be used for comment, and a phone number 08448002441. A SSAG committee member has contacted them by phone and they have told us that the proposal is at a “pre-application stage” and they (Cora – on the leaflets) are trying to get an idea of the likely issues to be raised. We will all get an opportunity to comment formally at a later date.
The purpose of this item is just to let you know.
11 August 2023 HNRFI – A date for the start of the Planning Inspectorate’s examination of the proposals for the Hinckley National Rail Freight Interchange has been set for Tuesday 12 September.
All those who registered as Interested Parties have been sent an email from the Planning Inspectorate with an invitation to attend the Preliminary meeting.
7 July 2023 HNRFI – The Rail Freight application is at the Pre-examination stage, and all those who registered as Interested Parties will be invited to attend a Preliminary Meeting, run and chaired by the appointed Examining Authority. As yet no date has been set for the meeting.
10 May – 23rd June 2023 HNRFI – everyone had an opportunity to formally have their say on this proposed project by registering as a Interested Party with the Planning Inspectorate and providing their comments on the issues and impacts of the proposed development. To view all submissions – click here
13 April 2023 HNRFI – The Planning Inspectorate have confirmed acceptance of the formal application for examination. This is known as the pre-examination stage and means the Planning Inspectorate has approximately three months to prepare for the Examination.
February / March 2023 HNRFI – Tritax submitted a formal application on the 6th February 2023 to develop the HNRFI.
The application was subsequently withdrawn on the 2nd March by Tritax – citing the need to submit additional information in support of their application.
They re-submitted their application again on 17th March. The Planning Inspectorate had month to decide whether the application meets their requirements – it would then proceed to a formal examination of the proposed development.
October 2022 – HNRFI (Hinckley National Rail Freight Interchange) Tritax (the developers) have issued a Community newsletter to update on the progress of the Rail Freight following the Public and Statutory Consultation which took place between January 2022 and April 2022. Read their newsletter here
October 2022 – Land West of Stoney Stanton: latest meeting with the CLG
August 2022 – Land West of Stoney Stanton: CLG meeting – site walk
13 June 2022 – HNRFI debated in Parliament – The Hinckley National Rail Freight Interchange was debated in parliament by Alberto Costa MP and Luke Evans MP – you can watch the video – you will need to fast forward to 16:12 on the timer of the recording.
Also the sound is poor for the first 4 minutes and there is text provided on screen to help with this. The sound is clear from 16:16 on the recording.
April 2022 – Land West of Stoney Stanton: Launch of Community Liaison Group (CLG) to meet with promoters of the housing development
12 January 2022 – Hinckley National Rail Freight Interchange: Tritax Symmetry have commenced their Statutory Consultation for the HNRFI. All documents are available on the project website. The consultation runs until 9th March 2022.
13 October 2021 – Land West of Stoney Stanton: The Pegasus Group, along with consultants Barton Willmore and representatives from the land owners, held a visioning workshop for a proposed development in the Land West of Stoney Stanton. A full debrief from SSAG representatives who atended can be found here. You can find details from the proposers on their website.
Sept 2021 – SSAG Committee: We are looking for new committee members to provide further energy and ideas as we go forward. If you would like to help, please get in touch using the “Contact Us” page.
Sept 2021 – Proposed Stoney Stanton Strategic Development Area: This is still a proposal and there is not any agreement that this will go ahead, however a group representing local land owners, the Pegasus Group, have spoken with the Parish Council and want to put forward their ideas (see Stoney Stanton News, February 2021). The SSAG is trying to keep up-to-date with developments.
Sept 2021 – New Blaby District Local Plan: Blaby District Council are pushing ahead with this (as it is a legal requirement for them to do so), and at the moment they are working through the 800 plus responses they received to the New Local Plan Options Consultation. The SSAG is holding meetings with them to discuss how it is developing and to present our views. We expect them to move to a formal consultation in Spring 2022.
August 2021 – HNRFI: We know that a company working for and on behalf of Tritax Symmetry have been making enquiries about land ownership locally. We have also heard that Tritax Symmetry is talking about future consultations but details are not available yet. We have heard unofficially that they may start at the end of September or early October.
7th May 2021 – Residents of the Fosse Villages vote in favour of the Fosse Villages Neighbourhood Plan. See here for more information
6th May 2021 – Fosse Villages Neighbourhood Plan Referendum. Residents of Blaby including Stoney Stanton, have the opportunity to vote in a Neighbourhood Plan referendum – the question being asked is:
“Do you want Blaby District Council to use the Neighbourhood Plan for Fosse Villages to help it decide planning applications in the neighbourhood area?”
28th January 2021 – Blaby Local Plan Options Document Consultation has been launched – action required by 12th March
The consultation focusses on three key areas:
1. Options for the location of future development. It sets out the direction that the Council expects to take.
2. All reasonable site options. These are sites promoted to the Council for built development by landowners, developers and site promoters.
3. Initial information about the main policies they expect to include in the Local Plan.
You can view the full document and appendices here
or see the list of identified sites here
12th November 2020 – Application Submitted by Tritax Symmetry for an Order granting Development Consent for the Hinckley National Rail Freight Interchange
The Planning Inspectorate have received a formal application to progress the development of the HNRFI. Full details can be viewed here.
2nd October 2020 – A46 Expressway bypass plan finally dropped
According to reports in the Leicester Mercury, the proposed Eastern Express Way, which was looking to link the M69 at junction 2 to a new junction on the M1 is unlikely to go ahead. Midland Connect who were behind the project have now stated that they would not now be seeking government funding for this, as it would cost too much and not solve the traffic problems. See the full article here.
24th August 2020 – Planning Application Submitted for Warehousing off Huncote Road:
A formal development proposal has been submitted for warehousing and industrial units near Highfields Enterprise Centre off Huncote road. Here the developers want to build 7 large warehouses and if successful, expect them to be occupied from as early as summer 2021!
There is no provision in the plan for any development to the road infrastructure. So all the additional cars and lorries will get to and from this development through the centre of Stoney Stanton. How much more can our village take?
We urge everyone to take a look at the plans and make your voices heard – we only have until September 10th to make our objections. Please go online here and click Search Applications, reference 20/0835/RM
You’ll be able to view the plans and post your comments.
Also you can see the developer’s information here.
24th March 2020 – HIF Bid rejected
It was announced that the government have rejected Leicestershire County Council’s bid for a £19m share of the Housing Infrastructure Fund (HIF) to make changes to junction 2 of the M69. These changes are thought to be key for both the Council’s strategic housing plans and the HNRFI. The Council could raises the funds with developers. see the cabinet report here and the Leicester Mercury article here.
11th February 2020 – HNRFI debated in Parliament
The Hinckley National Rail Freight Interchange was debated in parliament by Alberto Costa MP on 11th February 2020 – here you can watch the video or read the transcript.