SRFI Update

One of the biggest issues that constituents have contacted me about over the last twelve months is the proposed development of two strategic rail freight interchanges (SRFIs) in the area between Blisworth, Roade and Collingtree.

Northampton Gateway (proposed by Roxhill) and Rail Central (by Ashfield Land) are two competing rail-connected warehousing projects either side of the Northampton Loop Line where it branches from the West Coast Main Line. The overwhelming view - near 100 per cent - from residents who have raised either development with me is that they are wholly unsuitable for our area, for reasons relating to strategic site location, capacity on the local roads, environmental impact on a greenfield site, availability of a local workforce, air pollution, and a number of other concerns.

I have been clear that, whilst I support the national policy of shifting freight from road to rail when applied to developments appropriately, I will do everything I can to represent the views of the hundreds of people who have significant and substantial concerns about these two projects.

To this end, I have submitted a Written Representation to the Planning Inspectorate to highlight issues relating to Northampton Gateway, and I will be registering as an Interested Party with PINS ahead of their deadline of the 15th January so I can raise concerns about Rail Central.

You can read more, including copies of all my responses to both projects' various consultations and planning processes, on the dedicated SRFI section of this website.

To find more information about Northampton Gateway, please visit the PINS examination portal. Unfortunately, the opportunity to register as an Interested Party has now closed; however, if you have concerns you would like raised please do put them to me and I will include them in my next Written Representation on your behalf.

You have until the 15th January to register as an Interested Party on the Rail Central proposal, which will allow you to put your views to the Planning Inspectorate; head to the PINS portal for this project.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact me if I can be of any assistance on this or any other matter.