Dr Luke Evans, Member of Parliament for Bosworth, has written to the Planning Inspectorate to express concern over the chosen venue for first meeting on the Hinckley National Rail Freight Interchange (NRFI) proposal.
The Preliminary Meeting is to be held on Tuesday 12th September at the Leicester Tigers Conference and Events Centre in the city centre, with residents and businesses who have registered as Interested Parties also invited to attend the meeting virtually.
In the letter, Dr Evans states ‘Many of both mine and Mr Costa’s constituents would like to attend the Preliminary Meeting in person, but this is made more difficult by the choice of a venue in Leicester.’
Dr Evans and Alberto Costa, Member of Parliament for South Leicestershire where the Hinckley NRFI risks being built, have worked together to voice concerns with NRFI developer Tritax Symmetry and Government Ministers over the proposals. The MPs have specifically raised the environmental impact on Burbage Common and additional burden on infrastructure.
The Preliminary Meeting marks the start of the Examination Stage, under which the Planning Inspectorate has six months to carry out its examination into the Hinckley NRFI proposals. During this stage registered Interested Parties are invited to provide more details of their views in writing.
Dr Luke Evans, Member of Parliament for Bosworth, said “There are many local venues, both in our area and in the South Leicestershire constituency which would have been suitable and, most importantly, easier for residents to attend than this venue.
“I hope that the Planning Inspectorate will ensure future meetings are held locally so that people and businesses across our community, who would be impacted by this proposal, can participate and have their concerns heard.”
Alberto Costa, Member of Parliament for South Leicestershire, added “Residents affected by this proposed development need to have their voices heard and be a part of the examination process.
“For many residents, joining an online meeting or travelling a long distance is simply not an option, especially for those who are elderly or have accessibility needs. I will continue to support Dr Luke Evans to ensure that this is a fair and accessible process for our constituents.”
Please find attached a copy of the letter from Dr Luke Evans MP to the Planning Inspectorate.
