Local residents have continued to express their concerns about the inappropriate plans for expanding Magna Park. They did this in the LP consultation process in 2015 and also during planning application processes for the three applications from IDI Gazeley and dbSymmetry.

There are long lists of reasons why these applications are inappropriate - lack of appropriate highway infrastructure, loss of countryside and biodiversity, increased pollution, impact on heritage site etc

However the inclusion of the 700,000 sq mts expansion at MP in the LP calls into question the purpose of the Local Plan. BE2;2 is under the heading of Employment.

It is true that the expansion will bring 10,000 new jobs. However the Lutterworth and wider HD area has very limited unemployment and one of the main issues in the area is the lack of higher skilled jobs. The lack of suitable jobs in the area means that residents commute out to find jobs that suit their skills and aspirations. If people wanted jobs at MP they would already be working there as employers at MP are constantly struggling to recruit staff. The majority of employees at the current MP site are from outside HD and Leicestershire, a very high percentage coming from the EU. The question needs to be asked about where the 10,000 new employees will come from.

The LP seeks to address the community in and commuting out issues but will in fact make things worse not better.

Having more employment in warehouse/distribution will lead to a greater concentration of the same type of job rather than expand the range of skills and working opportunities.

BE2:2 needs serious reconsideration if it is to achieve the objectives of the LP and meet the needs of local residents.