Gazeley has now been given outline planning permission for its 4.5 million sq ft expansion of Magna Park at Lutterworth.
Harborough Council had refused planning on the site in January 2018, despite the council’s own planning committee approving the scheme in November 2017 by just one vote – within days the scheme was called in for review by the full council and was rejected by 12 votes to 10.
However, in April, an independent planning inspector allowed an appeal against the decision to refuse planning permission.
Inspector Neil Pope, who overturned that ruling, said that the benefits of the proposal outweighed any harm that had been identified as part of the consideration of the application and appeal. The benefits of the scheme include 4,500 jobs, and a venture that would contribute £277 million a year to the local economy.
Last week, Gazeley said in a post on Linked In: “Gazeley are very proud to announce, we have secured outline planning permission for a 4.5m sq ft expansion of Magna Park at Lutterworth, Leicestershire. A very long journey lasting 3.5 years but a very rewarding outcome.
“Thank you to all who helped us along the way!
“A new and exciting logistics cluster opportunity awaits…”
