Plans for a rail freight interchange at Hinckley in Leicestershire have been derailed. In an unexpected decision by the transport secretary, the UK government has rejected a controversial £750 million (888 million euros) plan to develop a major rail freight hub in Leicestershire. The parties concerned had been expecting approval, but the surprise rejection comes amid concerns over infrastructure and safety.
Despite agreeing that the project had national significance, Heidi Alexander announced her refusal on Monday. The transport secretary stated that while the project held anticipated benefits, they did not outweigh its potential negative impacts. The government had the final say on the scheme due to its classification as a major national infrastructure project.
Doubts over appropriate infrastructure
Campaigners and local politicians are jubilant. Rejection by the UK government has vindicated their objections. Plans are now blocked for what has been a controversial £750m (€885m) project. Hinckley would have become the latest rail freight hub in Leicestershire, in the English Midlands. The local administration, Blaby District Council, had opposed plans for the 662-acre (268-hectare) from its first conception back in 2018.
At the regional authority level, Leicestershire County Council’s cabinet member for highways and transport, Ozzy O’Shea, called it a “landmark day”.”We are not against the principle of a rail freight interchange,” he said. “Any proposal must be supported by appropriate infrastructure to mitigate its impacts on our communities and transport network. Unfortunately, this was not the case.” The developers had even appointed Maritime to manage the operation.
A decision actually made
The project has been vigorously backed by the developers, Tritax Symmetry. They had proposed the Hinckley National Rail Freight Interchange (HNRFI) on a green field site. It would join road and rail connections between the town of Hinckley and neighbouring Leicester, a city on the Midland Main Line. The area is a prime location in England, which has become known as the Logistics Golden Triangle. The ministerial decision has been called a significant setback for Tritax. That may be the case here, but the company is unlikely to fall as a result. They have a large portfolio of other developments around the UK.
Contrary to her predecessors in the Department for Transport, Heidi Alexander actually made a decision. She acknowledged that there was a compelling need for the development, particularly in southwest Leicestershire, but raised concerns over the impact on nearby road networks. In her ruling, the transport secretary specifically noted that local junctions on the M69 motorway would struggle to cope with increased road freight traffic, generated to support the development.
Alexander also highlighted safety risks in the small town of Sapcote and potential disruptions caused by 775-metre-long freight trains at a level crossing in Narborough. Narborough, Sapcote and Hinckley all lie on a short chord which connects the Midland Main Line and the West Coast Main Line – the principal reason for locating the proposed terminal here.
Monstrous development
Blaby District Council did not sugarcoat its response. “[Blaby] is delighted plans for the Hinckley National Rail Freight Interchange (HNRFI) have been rejected,” said an official statement. In September 2024, Heidi Alexander’s predecessor, Louise Haigh, had pushed the issue down the line, giving Tritax more time to submit further evidence in support of their application (by 10 March). Ms Haigh inconveniently resigned shortly afterwards because of matters unconnected, which compromised her position.
Reacting to the announcement, Councillor Terry Richardson, Leader of Blaby District Council, was robust. “I am delighted and relieved the Minister has listened to the overwhelming opposition from the Council and the public and rejected these proposals. Common sense has prevailed. At last we have clarity, and residents can move forward without the threat of this monstrous development over their heads.” Although they have made no official comment as yet, Tritax have leave to appeal.