I recently wrote to DHL urging reconsideration of their application to build warehouses just outside of Towcester, bearing in mind the strong concerns and objections of so many local residents. Their response is here:

Dear Mr Leadsom,

Thank you for your letter regarding the above development.

We appreciate your sentiments and those of your constituents concerning the above development and we have been continuing to work hard and make progress on the proposals.

I can confirm DHL Supply Chain remains committed to the scheme, which will deliver significant highways improvements alongside varied employment opportunities that will meet the economic aspirations for the approach into Towcester set out by the allocation in the adopted local plan, and the recently adopted SPD.

I also note that your letter was addressed to the CEO of DHL Express. However, as previously advised, this is not a parcels site for the DHL business and will form part of our supply chain business (DHL Supply Chain). If you are unfamiliar with the DHL supply chain business, you can find more details on our website (https://www.dhl.com/gb-en/home/supply-chain.html) including the sectors we are involved with. This is a significantly different business compared to the DHL Express in terms of operations and employment, which may also go some way to allaying concerns in relation to traffic, labour and employment profiles.

I would also like to highlight that our dedicated consultation web page (https://dhltowcester.consultationonline.co.uk/) is still live, and up-to-date and is well populated with detailed materials concerning the matters raised, while all application documentation is available on the West Northamptonshire Online Register (https://wnc.planningregister.co.uk/Planning/Display/WNS/2021/1819/EIA).

As previously discussed, our development has been progressed to the highest industry standards and in accordance with all local authority or statutory requirements, in particular technical matters, for which we have in principle approval and no objection, including from the Local Lead Flood Authority on matters relating to drainage. When we last met we took you through our detailed traffic modelling for the site and are now in the final detailed discussions with the highways authorities about this and the other surrounding developments to ensure that all development traffic impact is able to be mitigated. We see this being an essential component in satisfying your local constituents as well as our business that traffic conditions will not cause unacceptable delays due to the development.

I hope this helps clarify your questions, but should you wish any further clarification please do not hesitate to contact me.

Yours sincerely,

James Stephens

Vice President, Corporate Affairs DHL UK & Ireland