Green light for job-creating distribution facility

An application proposing the construction of a landmark distribution facility for a global logistics company, which is expected to create hundreds of jobs, has been approved.SEGRO sought planning permission to develop Plot 4 situated within Zone A2 (a and b) of the wider Northampton Gateway Rail Freight Interchange (NGRFI). The site extends to approximately 50.4 acres.The proposal is for a bespoke and high-tech cross-docked distribution facility with ancillary office space and two mezzanine levels.The unit would be occupied by Yusen Logistics and total about 1.5 million sq ft.It is forecast that the facility would create in the region of 400 jobs as part of a wider workforce of 1,400 in Northampton and Milton Keynes.The application is submitted as the occupier requires a bespoke building which exceeds the maximum height parameter set by the Development Consent Order (DCO) which applies to the wider site.A statement filed on behalf of the applicant said: “The proposed development is for a modern distribution building which responds to the needs of the logistics market through automated areas within the mezzanine levels to help with productivity.”The occupier’s strategy reflects the overarching objectives of the wider NG development in that its core ambition is to ensure that their carbon footprint is as low as possible through achieving a ‘Excellent’ BREEAM rating and includes measures which incorporate renewable energy measures and sources such as solar.”A report for the committee said: “Whilst the proposal would result in some increased landscape and visual impact to that consented under the DCO, in the context of the wider site development and altered landscape, it is not considered that this would result in any notable or unacceptable changes to the overall landscape and visual impact of the building to that permitted within the existing DCO parameters.”Members voted to support the project, subject to conditions.