Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Hinckley National Rail Freight Interchange

10 September 2024 · 2 other contributors · 4,475 words

Opened by Alberto Costa Con South Leicestershire

Responding minister: Not recorded

Transport

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Alberto Costa raised concerns about hinckley national rail freight interchange in Westminster Hall. Response awaited from government.

Key points

  • Alberto Costa welcomed the Secretary of State's intention to follow the Planning Inspectorate's recommendation to withhold consent for the Hinckley National Rail Freight Interchange.
  • Costa expressed concern about the delay in making a final decision until March 2025 and its impact on over 92,000 people within two miles of the site.
  • Costa highlighted widespread opposition from local councils, transport authorities, and residents over traffic congestion and safety issues.

Key requests to Government

Costa asked the Minister to explain why there was a delay in making a decision and requested a meeting with her or any of her colleagues after this debate to discuss the process. He also suggested that the Labour Government could proactively look at creating a proper framework policy to identify appropriate sites for such logistics parks, ensuring strategic co-ordination and fair distribution across the country.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Alberto Costa Con South Leicestershire

Alberto Costa cautiously welcomed the news that the Secretary of State is minded to follow the Planning Inspectorate's recommendation to withhold consent for the proposed Hinckley National Rail Freight Interchange, but expressed concern over the decision to delay making a final decision until March 2025. He highlighted the impact on communities within two miles of the site and mentioned that over 92,000 people would be directly impacted by the development. Costa also noted widespread opposition from local councils, transport authorities, and residents, who were concerned about traffic congestion and safety issues.

Other contributors (2)
  • Luke Evans Con Hinckley and Bosworth

    Constituents are concerned about the decision delay, questioning why it would change a position where local impacts outweigh national benefits. Evans also highlighted that key information was missing during the appeal to the inspectorate, leading many communities to believe the development was a done deal and now expressing anxiety due to an unusual delay.

  • Mark Hendrick Lab Co-op Preston

    The MP informed the Minister that a member had apologised for having to leave urgently.

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