A new world-class employment development

Harworth Group is proposing an exciting new world-class logistics development at the last undeveloped quadrant of the junction, as allocated in the Local Plan. This location is ideally suited for such a development, given its superior access to the M1 motorway and its proximity to the rail freight terminal across the A508. The strategic nature of this site makes it a key opportunity to deliver high-skilled industrial and logistics jobs, completing the ‘missing quadrant’ for logistics at this location.

We recognise the concern about developing on green land. However, West Northamptonshire must deliver a range of new employment opportunities, and this site is ideally positioned for such a purpose. It is also important to note that the site is not within the Green Belt and offers opportunities to enhance wildlife habitats and biodiversity while creating much-needed employment space, which we are fully committed to achieving.

One of the key benefits of this site is its ability to leverage significant infrastructure improvements already underway, including upgrades to Junction 15 of the M1, construction of the A508 roundabout, and the Roade Bypass. These enhancements support smooth traffic flow, reducing potential impacts on local roads.

As part of the planning process, we will conduct a comprehensive transport assessment to evaluate any potential effects on the local highway network. Harworth Group is committed to working closely with West Northamptonshire Council to implement any necessary mitigation measures to minimise traffic impact and ensure the development aligns with community needs.

We are proposing a development of up to five industrial units. The scale and density of the proposals will be sensitive to the surrounding area, making the best use of the available land while maintaining high standards of design and quality. To mitigate visual impact, the plans also include a landscaped bund to the south, enhancing the natural surroundings and providing screening.

The plans we are bringing forward will be part of an outline planning application, which sets out an indicative layout for the site. Detailed aspects such as design will be addressed in a subsequent reserved matters application, which will be subject to its own consultation process when the time comes.

In developing the proposals, Harworth Group will seek to retain the majority of existing trees and hedgerows to support ecologically valuable habitats. Additionally, we are exploring opportunities for planting more trees and hedgerows, particularly around the landscaped bund to the south, to further encourage local wildlife. A significant area of green space to the east of the site will also be retained and enhanced, offering further opportunities for ecological improvements.

As part of our commitment to sustainability, the plans will deliver a 10% net gain in biodiversity, ensuring the development supports and enhances the natural environment.

The proposals provide the opportunity to deliver substantial employment growth in the area. Logistics is a key part of business growth within the ‘Golden Triangle’ and this site will provide local residents with a variety of job opportunities to suit different skills and backgrounds. It will also have a broader economic impact in terms of delivering a positive impact for the entire supply chain. The site will also deliver a substantial economic boost in the form of business rates to local government, helping to fund much-needed local services.

Harworth Group is committed to ensuring that the local community and stakeholders are fully consulted as the proposals progress. As part of this process, we will be launching a dedicated website, sending out a newsletter to the local community, and holding in-person events where the community can meet members of the project team.

The plans are still evolving, and we want to understand your priorities for this development. There are a range of areas in which we are seeking input from the community and look forward to receiving feedback.