Residents of a small Leicestershire hamlet say their community is being transformed by the rapid arrival of large warehousing developments within walking distance of homes, prompting worries about traffic safety, noise, litter and harm to local wildlife.
Local people say growth has been relentless
Planning permission was granted in April for a new 643,000 sqft warehouse on land beside Ellistown Terrace Road, opposite Victoria Road in Ellistown. That decision comes after other major facilities began operating nearby, most notably a new distribution centre for supermarket firm Aldi which opened earlier this year and covers more than 1.3 million sqft.
The hamlet of Battram, which is served chiefly by Battram Road off Wood Road and has an estimated population of around 200, sits less than a mile from the clusters of units. Many residents say the increasing number of heavy goods vehicles using narrow country lanes is making life riskier and noisier.
"There's nothing here except the houses. Why have another warehouse over here? It doesn't make any sense whatsoever," said local resident Suzzi Lucas.
Ms Lucas and others described a pattern of speeding HGVs, vehicles cutting the bend on Wood Road and frequent close calls that they say are caused by roads unsuited to the size and speed of modern lorries. They have also raised alarms about litter and dust linked to the traffic.
- Residents report collecting substantial quantities of rubbish they say comes from passing lorries.
- Concerns exist about potential night-time working, lighting and disturbance to wildlife.
- Local roads are described as narrow with a bend where drivers have to brake suddenly.
Facts and proximity
| Development | Approx distance from Battram | Size |
|---|---|---|
| Pall-Ex headquarters (Victoria Road) | ~0.8 miles | Not specified |
| Aldi distribution centre | ~0.9 miles | >1.3 million sqft |
| New approved warehouse (Ellistown Terrace Road) | < 1 mile | 643,000 sqft |
Despite about 150 objections, the latest planning application was authorised. Residents say approval without addressing traffic mitigation, screening or night-time restrictions leaves them exposed to longer-term impacts on health, safety and the environment.
The emergence of large logistics sites close to established rural settlements is not unique to Leicestershire but this instance highlights tensions between economic development and preserving the character and safety of small communities. Local people are seeking clearer assurances from planners and operators on vehicle routing, working hours, lighting controls and measures to prevent litter and dust affecting homes and wildlife.
Correspondence to the council or the developers will be the next practical step for those wishing to press for mitigation; residents say they will continue to document incidents and environmental impacts while pressing for more protective conditions on activity in and around the warehouses.
