Stobart Group withdraws bid for new site

Stobart Group has withdrawn its proposal for a new depot in Lutterworth after concerns were raised over possible flooding at the site.

On 6 March, Harborough District Council was due to debate the application submitted on behalf of Stobart by Magna Park owners Gazeley UK.

Stobart wanted an office complex and 130 HGV parking spaces at the former George clothing site at the park.

However, Gazeley UK withdrew the plans shortly before the hearing, saying there were several technical issues with the application that needed to be resolved.

Gwyn Stubbings, planning manager at Gazeley UK, says: "There were issues with the Environment Agency, who had some concerns about flooding, and with Leicestershire County Council’s highways team, which had requested some more information.

“We will definitely be re-submitting the application at some point once we have dealt with those issues. We don’t think it is anything which can’t be resolved.

“The Stobart Group is very committed to the project and very committed to working at Magna Park - the firm already occupies one unit and has submitted plans for another warehouse.”

In their pre-committee report, local planning officers recommended that the application be refused on the basis that the facility could be detrimental to the countryside and that they needed more information about the potential increase in local traffic.

Stobart plans to close its Corby and Alcester DCs, which are part of its chilled distribution network. Some of the 100 jobs at Magna Park would have been taken by employees moving from the other sites.

Stobart Group declined to comment.