Plans announced for new development next to airport

Land next to East Midlands Airport (EMA) could become a new logistics and manufacturing park, new plans show.

Manchester Airports Group (MAG), which owns and operates EMA, is behind the plans submitted to North West Leicestershire District Council.

The 102-acre site sits to the south of the A453 alongside the airport as part of the East Midlands Freeport.

An EMA spokesperson said the plans, if approved, could result in the creation of 2,000 new jobs once fully operational.

The application is for the outline approval of several units that would be up to 25m tall, providing storage or distribution uses, as well as offices.

EMA said consultation meetings were held with representatives from the nearby village of Diseworth, Leicestershire.

The proposals take the village's proximity to the site into account, EMA added.

"Protect Diseworth" has objected to the application and called for details relating to the landscape, layout and scale to be included in the plans so the full impact of the development can be assessed.

EMA say the largest units would be located closest to the A453, with smaller units along the southern end of the site.

The plans also include the introduction of screening buffers along the south and west edges of the site through new plants, trees and fencing.

A new access road on to the site from an existing roundabout on the A453 is proposed, while space is left aside for the potential widening of the A453.

EMA managing director Steve Griffiths said the proposals sought to "strike the balance between the need for such a development against the potential impact on the environment and local residents".

He added: "We have met and will continue to meet members of Diseworth Parish Council and community groups and have aimed to address their concerns in our proposals.”

Freeport customs sites are also known as free zones and are enclosed customs zones.

Some normal tax and customs rules do not apply in these areas and eligible businesses can benefit from tax incentives.

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