Campaigners lose court fight over warehouse scheme
Campaign group Staunch say they are "extremely disappointed by the outcome" of a judicial review.
Opponents of a vast warehouse complex have been defeated in their legal challenge against the project's approval.
North Northamptonshire Council gave the green light to the 148-acre (60-hectare) warehouse park in July of last year. The development is slated for construction on undeveloped land situated north of the Halden's Parkway Industrial Estate in Thrapston.
The campaign group Staunch expressed profound disappointment with the court's decision, stating it "does nothing to stem the tide of warehouse development in the Upper Nene Valley, and their impact on the environment and our communities."
North Northamptonshire Council acknowledged the court's findings and recognized "the strength of feeling this issue has generated locally."
The High Court issued its judgment on July 30 regarding the legal challenge against the warehouse park, known as Thrapston Business Park.
Staunch initiated the lawsuit on five specific points. A primary concern was the group's assertion that the council inadequately evaluated the suitability of a proposed substitute habitat at Lilford Hall Estate, intended to compensate for the loss of connected land within a special protection area.
Additional grounds for the challenge included claims that the Reform UK-controlled council failed to assess the cumulative effects of the development when combined with other local projects.
However, the presiding judge, Sir Peter Lane, ruled that the judicial review failed on all grounds, as reported by the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
Prior to the park's approval, over 800 objections were lodged, with one objector claiming the development would "engulf" the village of Titchmarsh. Campaigners also voiced concerns about the potential impact on wildlife, including protected bird species, and the region's biodiversity.
Despite the judgment, Staunch believes there are "strong grounds for appeal" on two specific points and has already submitted an application to the court for leave to appeal.
North Northamptonshire Council stated it would "respond accordingly" should the campaigners exercise their right to appeal.
IM Properties, the company responsible for delivering the scheme, previously indicated that the project would generate more than 700 full-time jobs and involve an investment exceeding £100 million.