Design approved for logistics complex

Detailed designs for a new logistics complex at St Johns in Enderby, which could bring more than 2,000 jobs to the District, have been given the green light. 

A reserved matters application for the ‘Enderby Hub’ was approved by Blaby District Council’s planning committee at a meeting on Thursday 12 February.  

It follows approval of an outline application for warehouses with offices and gatehouses in July last year. The area was allocated for employment use in the Council’s Local Plan in 2019. 

The 33-hectare scheme has been split into three sections, Zones A-C, with access of Leicester Lane which will be developed in two phases. 

The first phase of construction will include all earthworks, main spine roads, footpaths and internal access roads, landscaping, yards and all parking provision. 

The second phase will concentrate on the warehousing and industrial units. Zone A, at the rear of the site, adjacent to the M1, will provide for two warehouses earmarked for large-scale logistics operations.  

Zone B will have one unit while Zone C will feature two commercial units for small and medium-sized businesses. Zone C, which is closest to residential properties, will be highly screened by earth mounds and tree planting. 

Low and carbon-zero elements will include solar panels and energy efficient heating and cooling systems. 

Sustainable travel is being encouraged, with new footpath and cycleway access and 340 cycle spaces. Around 10% of the car parking spaces will feature EV charging. 

There will also be wildflower, shrub, hedgerow and woodland planting to increase biodiversity on the site overall.   

Applicant Royal London Mutual Insurance Ltd has called the site a "flagship project". 

It expects that about 2,479 jobs could be created – 1,811 direct, 125 construction related jobs and a further potential 543 indirect roles. 

Councillor Lee Breckon, Planning Committee Chairman, said: "Outline approval was granted for this development in July 2024 and this reserved matters application came before us to provide the finer detail of how the scheme will look. This site in Enderby has been allocated for employment use in our Local Plan since 2019 due to its excellent local transport links and position near other business parks. 

"The applicant is committed to delivering a ‘flagship project’ which will offer modern, sustainable and high-quality commercial warehousing and business units. This will bring more jobs to the District and so boost our economy, providing benefits for all."

Councillor Lee Breckon
Planning Committee Chairman