In a decision letter dated 9 October 2019 the Secretary of State determined to grant development consent for a strategic railfreight interchange, on land lying to the west of Northampton.

The ‘Northampton Gateway’ Interchange is a nationally significant infrastructure project, comprising an intermodal freight terminal, with container storage and Heavy Goods Vehicle parking, together with rail sidings and an aggregates’ facility. The development site is located between, and immediately adjacent, to the M1 Motorway and the West Coast Mainline.

The merits of the project were considered by a panel of Inspectors in accordance with the Planning Act 2008. The Examination commenced on 9 October 2019 and ran until 9 April 2019, with the Authority’s report being issued in July.

Alexander Booth KC, instructed by Eversheds, promoted the project on behalf of the Applicant, Roxhill (Junction 15) Ltd. Also participating at the Examination were Hereward Phillpot KC and Mark Westmoreland-Smith, appearing on behalf of Rail Central, and Michael Fry appearing on behalf of Network Rail.