The petition of residents of Syresham and surrounding villages (Crowfield, Pimlico, Biddlesden, Helmdon, Wappenham, Whitfield, Silverstone and Whittlebury)

Declares that the petitioners object to the construction of a Truck Stop with a fuelling station on land next to the A43 slip road for Syresham on the rural B4525; further declares that its construction would be detrimental to the community; further that it would cause dangerous traffic issues due to its close proximity to A43 slip road, alongside permanent ecological and environmental harm, including noise, air and light pollution; notes that this will create a worrying precedent for more industrial development on greenfield land in open countryside that is contrary to West Northamptonshire Council’s Local Plan; further notes that while residents understand the pressures endured by HGV drivers, they suggest that there are far more appropriate locations in the vicinity.

The petitioners therefore urge the House of Commons to work with the local residents to ensure this planning application permission be refused.

And the petitioners remain, etc.—[Presented by Dame Andrea Leadsom, Official Report, 26 April 2023; Vol. 731, c. 891.]

[P002827]

Observations from the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Mr Richard Holden):

The Secretary of State adopts a quasi-judicial role in the planning system and, as such, it would not be appropriate for the Department or its Ministers to comment on the merits of any individual case. It is for the local planning authority to determine the current application, in accordance with the local plan, unless material considerations indicate otherwise, which would include policies in the national planning policy framework, relevant written ministerial statements and relevant representations made at consultation.