MP: I asked developer in December to name benefits for Northamptonshire... they're yet to give a single one

Chris Heaton-Harris found out about the massive rail depot plan - which would fill eight million square feet near Northampton - in December and immediately contacted developer Ashfield Land by phone and email.

He asked them to lay out any benefits to people in Northamptonshire - as well as how it affects jobs at DIRFT and Pineham - but has so far heard nothing.

Mr Heaton-Harris, whose constituency includes Milton Malsor, which would be affected by the Rail Central plan, said: “As of yet they still haven’t any idea what the benefits may be.

“They said in December that they would get back to me and they haven’t.

“They seem to be ignoring not just the views of the people any notion of persuading people that its a good idea.

“They don’t want to be helpful in any way.”

The Daventry MP contrasted the approach with that of Barratts, whose housing estate in Brixworth came with the promise of £1 million towards a doctor’s surgery.

He said: “On the one hand you get a company who understands that the area will be affected in a big way and offers something.

“Or you get a developer who so far, even when asked, has no idea what it might do for the local area.

“It shows they aren’t really worried about what people think.

“It makes me even more worried about the development.

“I wanted assurances and I’m yet to get that.”

Ashfield Land has been contacted for a comment. It has plans to hold a consultation event later this year.