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High Court to decide on giant warehouse review

Dawid Wojtowicz/ BBC A drone shot of the incomplete warehouse - a grey structure that stretches across the frame several metres in front of a housing estate. The estate backs directly onto the warehouse land. Dawid Wojtowicz/ BBC
The council approved the new warehouse project on the former Weetabix site in September 2023

A court will decide whether to grant a judicial review into the construction of a giant warehouse following a string of planning errors.

The case has been brought by residents in Hooke Close, in Corby, after North Northamptonshire Council (NNC) approved the new warehouse despite consulting the wrong street.

A two-day hearing is now under way at the High Court in London, where evidence is being heard and a judge will determine if a judicial review will be granted.

Georgie Wallis, resident and lead applicant in the review, said action had been taken because of a "complete failure to consult residents".

Kate Bradbrook/BBC The corrugated metal structure of the warehouse can be seen looming over the top of a resident of Hooke Close's hedge next to their property. The resident's black car is also in shot by the red brick house. Kate Bradbrook/BBC
Hooke Close residents now have a different view from their back gardens

Permission for the site was granted by the council in 2022, but it was only after a 60ft metal frame was built - and residents complained - that the council realised the error.

Council planning officers had sent notices to Hubble Road, which is about half a mile (750m) from the site, instead of Hooke Close.

Planning notices were also placed on the wrong lampposts.

Earlier this year, an internal review found that the decision to grant planning permission for the huge warehouse did not comply with law.

Jason Smithers, leader of North Northamptonshire Council, said the council will “fully cooperate with the hearing, if permission to appeal is granted”.

The hearing continues.

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