Your feedback
What the community said
Prior to submitting an application, we undertook a consultation exercise with the local community. We sought feedback on a range of issues, including the need for more logistics jobs locally, the challenges facing job seekers in the local area, and opportunities to incorporate sustainability measures into the proposals.
We would like to thank everyone who took the time to get involved and provide their thoughts. The feedback we received is greatly appreciated and will help us to shape these plans as they come forward.
We have provided below a summary of key themes that arose during our engagement, along with responses from our team.
Your feedback
Traffic and road infrastructure
Concerns about traffic from the proposals and the ability of existing infrastructure to accommodate it was mentioned frequently. One benefit of this scheme is that it can utilise infrastructure improvements provided as part of the Strategic Rail Freight Interchange, ensuring that any highways activity from the site will be manageable. We will also be proposing a ‘no left turn’ policy, which would direct traffic from the site to the M1 rather than towards Roade.
Your feedback
The need for jobs
Some people said they did not recognise a need for more jobs locally, whilst others were concerned about the pay and skill level the proposals would cater for. Harworth understands these concerns and wants to reassure the community that delivering positive impact to the local economy is of upmost importance.
West Northamptonshire Council has identified the need for 38,450 new jobs across the district and has deemed this site to be a suitable location to meeting this need. The proposals will not only address the demand for logistics space, but will also deliver a range of uses, including a mix of B2 (general industrial) and B8 (storage and distribution), catering to a range of skill levels.
Your feedback
Wildlife, green space and farmland
Some respondents expressed concerns about the proposals’ impact on wildlife, as well as loss of amenity space and farmland. Harworth Group acknowledges these concerns and remains committed to improving biodiversity on the site by retaining existing woodland and creating new habitat areas. Whilst Harworth recognises the sensitivities surrounding conservation of agricultural land and green space, we must balance environmental considerations with the creation of much-needed new jobs.
