The UK government has rejected plans for a £750 million rail freight hub in Leicestershire, citing infrastructure and road safety concerns.
Developer Tritax Symmetry proposed the Hinckley National Rail Freight Interchange (HNRFI) on 662 acres of farmland between Hinckley and Leicester, claiming it would create over 8,000 jobs. However, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander ruled that the project’s potential negative impacts outweighed its benefits.
The decision was based on concerns that increased lorry traffic would overwhelm M69 junctions, pose safety risks in Sapcote, and disrupt local transport with 775-metre-long trains at the Narborough level crossing. Leicestershire County Council and local MPs, who opposed the project, welcomed the decision, arguing the plan lacked adequate infrastructure support.
Tritax Symmetry expressed disappointment and is seeking legal advice on potential next steps.
