Latest News: 18/07/09: Secretary of State delays decision until September

The Secretary of State has requested Natural England to provide comments based on our recent written response. This will cause a delay in the mega depot planning decision until on or before 3 September see letter >

Natural England is “an independent public body whose purpose is to protect and improve England’s natural environment and encourage people to enjoy and get involved in their surroundings”.

We raised a number of issues, including: Natural England did not consider new data regarding high nitrogen values in nearby locations and as a result very limited weight should be given to their most recent assessment.

The Secretary of State then requested Natural England to comment on several points related to the potential impact of the 24 hours/day x 7 days/week ‘road only’ mega depot would have on the local Special Protection Area (SPA) and local Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs).

Interestingly, Natural England’s website includes a topical article regarding “a move to a low carbon economy without unacceptable impacts on the natural environment. This shift demands much greater efficiency in energy use, as well as a substantial investment in renewable and clean energy for electricity, heat and transport.” We have continued to challenge the disproportionate impact of a ‘road only’ Pyestock mega depot and find it concerning that many government bodies highlight the need for more sustainable transport (i.e. rail freight), but they seldom demonstrate their commitment and challenge large commercial ‘road only’ developments. Lets hope it is not too late for the Secretary of State, John Denham MP to refuse this planning application and progress the need for sustainable rail freight as the priority see here >

A recent Department for Transport strategic freight network map clearly shows Southampton’s rail freight routes, including the route to London (close to the M3/M4 motorway corridor) see here >
In fact, John Denham can play a key role in Southampton’s port and rail freight sustainable development as he is also local MP in the Itchen constituency.

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