Fears of warehouse 'tsunami' as another is approved

Plans to extend a warehouse facility in the countryside have been approved, despite concerns of "an unstoppable tsunami of warehouse developments".

Saica Pack was given permission by Reform-led North Northamptonshire Council to erect a large storage building next to its existing warehouse in Thrapston.

The company, which produces corrugated packaging, said it would no longer need to transport the finished goods to other sites in Corby and Sywell.

However, local campaign group Staunch opposed the development, which is next to two much larger proposed logistics parks.

"The whole site is bigger than Thrapston itself," a spokesperson for Staunch said of the three proposed developments.

"It is meant to be done in growth towns like Rushden and Corby."

The proposed building would provide 14,000 sq m of storage space, linking to the existing warehouse via an underground tunnel.

Allan Foakes, regional director at Saica Pack, said bringing the warehouse "under one roof" would improve efficiency and significantly reduce vehicle movements.

He told the planning committee the Spanish company began its operations in Thrapston in 1996 and its "absolute desire" was to remain and grow in the area.

He added: "Over the past 22 years, I've had the privilege of working alongside multiple generations of local families.

"The proposal might well ensure you can continue to provide skilled labour employment for the community for many years to come."

The application received 40 objections from members of the public.

Thrapston independent councillor Joseph Garner also suggested that, along with neighbouring sites, it was part of "an unstoppable tsunami of warehouse developments".

The site is near Titchmarsh Nature Reserve, a wetland of international significance.

Staunch argued that the Habitat Regulation Assessment submitted by the council was incorrect, and asked councillors to defer the application.

"Rushing to meet an administrative deadline does not exempt you from environmental law," it said.

"It guarantees an immediate and robust challenge from Staunch via another judicial review in the High Court."

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