Michael Gove, the Secretary of State for Housing and Levelling Up, has called in Panattoni, and Langtree’s 3.1 million ft2 Six56 development in Warrington in the Northwest.
The 242-acre scheme is next to Junction 9 of the M56 and Junction 20 of the M6 motorway on greenbelt land.
It had secured planning approval earlier this year, but it was rumoured the Secretary of state would call it in in June in what is seen as a major U-turn that could set a precedent for any development proposed for greenbelt sites across the country.
There is such a dearth of sites suitable for large logistics development nationwide that many developers are forced to consider greenbelt ones due to a lack of up to date local and regional plans, too few sites made available for employment uses and a lack of understanding of the needs of the logistics industry in general.
Previously Gove had indicated that it was up to planning authorities to decide on the future of such schemes and that he would not use his powers to call in the project.
Nearly 1,000 objections to the £180 million scheme have been registered.
The developers have said the development will create 4,000 new jobs and unlock £7.1m a year in new rates income for Warrington Council.
