Residents fear approved logistics park in Northamptonshire will mean worse flooding

The M1 junction 16 development - which is likely to be mostly warehouses - was approved by South Northamptonshire Council last night, despite objections from Kislingbury parish councillors and an action group made up of residents.

Parish council chairman Alison Ward said that, among other concerns was a potential increase in flooding. Not only will the warehouses cover land that might otherwise absorb rainwater, the buildings collect the water then release it in large volumes.

Mrs Ward said:: “The effect on the river will be terrible; you can’t stop Mother Nature.

“When the last flood hit us, the drain in Willow View was overwhelmed and the water was lapping the pavements.

“That’s before any extra buildings. I can’t see it getting any better.”

Kislingbury Action Group had objected that the plans are for a much bigger area than was specified in the West Northamptonshire Joint Core Strategy, approved at great length - as well as a £5 million cost to the tax payer - last year.

However a planning officer recommended that the plans be approved, saying the extra footprint was necessary to fit in five more warehouses and also reservoirs to catch rainwater run-off.

Councillors voted in favour of the officer’s recommendations.