Save Ulverscroft, Copt Oak & Markfield’s Countryside – Stop Industrial Development off Junction 22, M1- Ulverscroft

The peaceful green landscapes of Ulverscroft and Markfield are under threat from an industrial development proposal near Junction 22 of the M1, Ulverscroft. This area is part of the Charnwood Forest and National Forest, close to the Ulverscroft Wooded Valley — home to ancient woodland, rare wildlife, and much-loved walking routes.

Once it’s gone, it’s gone forever!…

We, the undersigned, strongly oppose any industrial or warehouse development off Junction 22 in the Ulverscroft/Markfield area.

Why this matters:

Nature & Biodiversity – The site lies within a vital green corridor linking ancient woodland, hedgerows, and meadows. It is habitat for protected and priority species such as bats, owls, red kites, and pollinators.

Landscape & Heritage – This countryside is part of the Charnwood Forest landscape character area, valued for its scenic beauty, tranquillity, and cultural heritage.
Local Policy Conflict – The Markfield Parish Neighbourhood Plan (Sections 4.20 & 4.21) commits to strengthening the National Forest woodland mosaic and expanding green infrastructure. Industrial development here would directly contradict those aims.
Traffic & Safety – Increased HGV movements will add congestion and accident risk to rural lanes and the busy Junction 22 interchange.
Environmental Health – Noise, light pollution, and air quality impacts will harm both wildlife and human wellbeing.

We all sign and object to Caddick’s Development based on the following grounds:

1. Principle of allocation of this scale. Regulation 18 of local plan mentioned potential employment sites. 2024 suggested 100 hectares of land through 4 sites. 2025 added further sites totalling 170 hectares. Council says 110 hectares needed for employment but subject to Leicester’s need. Caddick only refer to 2024 allocation. 
2. Details and main issues
3. Sensitive and visible location and part of ulverscroft wooded area. Forests are of significance. 
4. A landscape assessment doesn’t show that the impact is going to substantial
5. Ingress and egress are from one place. 200 hgv lorry spaces allocated. 
6. Site is divorced from a significant size settlement 
7. Major concerns by residents around amenities 
8. 24 hour operation from noise and lighting and 8m high towers 
9. A relatively tranquil rural area with trees and landscapes 
10. In conclusion there are a number of competing sites and only 40% of that application is needed 
11. Barron and shaw lane site have been allocated 
12. The current proposal is jumping the gun before the allocation of the employment land has been determined by the council.

What we’re asking for:

We call on Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council and Leicestershire County Council to:

Reject any planning applications for industrial or warehousing use in this location.

Protect and enhance the Ulverscroft and Charnwood Forest landscape as part of the National Forest vision.
Prioritise brownfield redevelopment and existing industrial sites over destruction of green countryside.

By signing this petition, you stand up for our wildlife, our heritage, and the health of our local rural community and future generations.

This is out Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/14JcXgrkz27/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Object to Caddick’s Planning application ref 25/00931/FUL|Development of a logistics park for storage and distribution (Class B8), general industry (Class B2), ancillary office space (Class E) and associated infrastructure. Link to Object is here: 

https://pa.hinckley-bosworth.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?keyVal=T3E9CNII0TO00&activeTab=summary

Email: Emma.baumber@hinckley-bosworth.gov.uk

Thank you for Saving our Nature, Homes, Local business suitable for our green community and our local and Rural Community’s mental health. Thank you for giving our children a Sustainable and Green future    🙌