4,500 jobs set to be created as planning inspector approves massive Magna Park expansion

Magna Park’s owners have been given the go-ahead to build a massive extension to the Leicestershire industrial complex.IDI Gazeley Ltd were refused permission to build a 420,000 square metre distribution centre and offices on farmland north west of its existing operation near Lutterworth in January last year.Residents in the area launched a determined campaign against the expansion arguing it would swallow up open countryside and fill surrounding roads with more lorries adding to congestion and pollution.Harborough district councillors voted to reject the scheme.They concluded it would have had too harmful an impact on the landscape.Now however a Government planning inspector has overturned their decision leaving Gazeley free to proceed.Inspector Neil Pope oversaw an inquiry where he heard evidence from Gazeley and the council and had to judge whether the public benefits of the scheme would outweigh the harm it would cause.Mr Pope said one of the main benefits of the scheme would be the creation of 4,500 jobs and a venture that would contribute £277 million a year to the local economy.The proposal also includes a training centre, the Logistics Institute of Technology (LIT).He said it would provide 400 training places which would also help the local economy.More than 170 acres of preserved meadow and country parkland are also proposed.Mr Pope also said the inclusion of a 134 space lorry park would help reduce a local problem of HGVs stopping in lay-bys overnight.The inspector also found the scheme’s benefits would outweigh any impact on nearby historic features like the Bitteswell medieval village and medieval churches at Claybrooke Parva and Willey.Costs applicationIDI Gazeley has lodged an application for the district council to pay its legal costs in taking the matter to appeal.