DHL wants to build a new logistics center near Towcester. Photo: Getty Images, taken in 2014 at a DHL hub in Germany
Local residents’ opinion is sought on a plan to build a huge new industrial area near Towcester that appears to create 1,200 full-time jobs.
DHL Supply Chain has launched a public consultation on its proposed world-class logistics hub on one million square feet of land north of the Bell Plantation Garden Center.
A spokesperson for the project said: “The steady increase in online retailing and the impact of the pandemic mean the logistics sector is more important today than ever.
“To meet this growing demand, we believe Towcester is the ideal location with excellent connections to the national road network, including the M1 and M40.”
The spokesman said concerns had been raised about traffic from the site, which is expected to generate business rates in excess of £ 3 million through Towcester city center.
A “robust” transportation plan will minimize this and use the upcoming Towcester Relief Road and other existing major roads instead.
The program also provides six acres of land for new turf sports fields and other related facilities for Towcester Town FC.
According to DHL, there would also be new pedestrian and cycle paths, additional tree and hedge plantings, and net gains in biodiversity through additional greening and the creation of habitats.
The land was assigned in the South Northamptonshire Local Plan for Workspace.
“We want to drive a world-class program that creates up to 1,200 jobs, boosts the local economy, improves biodiversity and ensures that DHL continues to provide market-leading services,” added the project spokesperson.
“After an unprecedented year, DHL is committed to supporting the UK’s economic recovery and we believe our Towcester program will play an important role in revitalizing the region’s post-Covid-19 economy.”
The consultation opened last week and will run until Sunday (April 25th). After that, DHL will review the feedback before submitting a planning request.