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Thumbs up for Devon freight depot after seven-year wait
Page 12
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:onstruction can begin on the major multimodal freight depot now )lanning permission has finally been granted. Chris Tindall reports.
IUTLINE PLANNING ermission has been granted for major multimodal freight depot t Devon, which will reduce truck ourneys in favour of rail freight tovements.
Following the decision by East levon District Council (EDDC) more than seven years after permission was initially sought, the lirst phase of construction—on 50 of the site's 160 hectares — can begin this year.
Once the centre is built, goods will be transported close to Exeter by train and onward shipped by road to the city and the rest of the South-West.
A public inquiry into its impact was held three years ago, and a second environmental impact assessment was required because the first was out of date. EDDC will work with any new owner on the detail of the design—including the building of a railhead into the site. Around 750 jobs will be created.
The land is owned by Church of England body Church Commissioners. A spokesman says it has already been in contact with logistics companies to run the depot, adding: -We're marketing the site to developers and hope to appoint someone later this year. They will take forward contact with freight companies."
The site was favoured by Network Rail and the Strategic Rail Authority, which said it would provide "the best sustainable longterm integrated transport solution for this part of the region".
Councillor Ray Franklin, EDDC's portfolio holder for strategic planning and regeneration, says: "The planning process has taken lots of hard work and a steady resolve."