102-acre distribution hub planned opposite East Midlands Airport

A distribution and logistics centre, with the potential for hotel development, is being considered for land opposite East Midlands Airport (EMA).The proposal represents one of the initial stages for the East Midlands Freeport, though it has already raised concerns among some parties.A scoping proposal, submitted by Manchester Airports Group (MAG), owners of EMA, focuses on a 102-acre site south of the A453 in Castle Donington.Located opposite EMA, this area is slated for various units and purposes, all integral to the East Midlands Freeport, the sole inland freeport of its kind in the UK.The Freeport is geared towards generating 28,000 new jobs across three sites covering 533 hectares, which includes EMA, the East Midlands Intermodal Park (EMIP) in South Derbyshire, and the Ratcliffe-on-Soar Power Station redevelopment site in Nottingham.This project, therefore marks the initial phase of the wider scheme. Real estate firm CBRE, representing MAG, aims to construct several units suitable for distribution, logistics, and industrial businesses on the site.These units would collectively cover up to 125,000 sq m internally, plans also include provisions for hotels and hostels in the area. Additionally, new infrastructure such as a roundabout and service yards with parking will be established.CBRE notes that the proposal aims to “preserve” green space south of Hyam’s Lane in Diseworth, which would border the Freeport zone.Despite being in the early stages, the proposal has raised concerns, which encompass the added pressure on nearby villages, especially since Diseworth is already surrounded by major highways.Similarly, Kegworth Parish Council opposes plans that encourage urban development in areas like Kegworth, Castle Donington, and Diseworth.If a comprehensive application is submitted and approved, CBRE expects that construction of the distribution and logistics zone could start as soon as next year, with an estimated completion time of five years.A formal application will be submitted to North West Leicestershire District Council at a later date.