South Leicestershire MP Alberto Costa has raised the serious concerns of his constituents regarding the proposals for the Hinckley National Rail Freight Interchange (HNRFI) with the Deputy Prime Minister in the House of Commons.
Speaking at Prime Minister’s Questions, the MP raised local concerns about the 440-acre proposal’s environment impact, its potential to overburden infrastructure and the effect it may have for passengers using Narborough Railway Station. Alberto also asked for the Deputy Prime Minister’s assurances that the planning process will be robust and fair and that residents will be listened to.
Alberto’s question to the Deputy Prime Minister comes following his recent survey sent to almost 6,000 households across ten villages closest to the planned HNRFI site, located south of the village of Elmesthorpe.
The MP has previously led debates in the House of Commons on the plans for the Hinckley National Rail Freight Interchange (HNRFI) and has joined with Dr Luke Evans, MP for Bosworth, in recently meeting with the Rail Minister to discuss the Government policy about the placement of new Rail Freight Interchanges.
Alberto said, “I was very pleased to raise the very serious concerns many of my constituents have over the proposals for the Hinckley National Rail Freight Interchange (HNRFI) with the Deputy Prime Minister today. The planning application for the HNRFI is slowly progressing, but many of my constituents, myself included, still hold considerable reservations about the site’s impact on nearby Burbage Common, it’s potential to overburden much of the rural infrastructure in the nearby Fosse Villages and the implications it may have for passenger using the busy Narborough Railway Station.”
Alberto added, “I was encouraged by the Deputy Prime Minister’s response to my question and his assurances that the planning process in deciding the HNRFI application will be robust and fair, and that the voices of my constituents will be heard. Like many, I was not satisfied with the consultation process that was previously undertaken by the developer, however I am reassured that the Planning Inspectorate will conduct a thorough job of ensuring that local residents are properly and comprehensively consulted. As ever, I will continue doing all I can to oppose this unnecessary and unwanted development on behalf of my constituents.”
Alberto is pictured speaking in the House of Commons.
