Bang in the middle of England, Northamptonshire has more storage and distribution centres than anywhere else in the country. Corby, for example, is home to dozens of towering "mega-sheds", including Europa's worldwide HQ and Nike's forthcoming logistics campus. But real estate experts say the current crop is just the start, and the UK will need the equivalent of more than 2,000 football pitches of extra warehouse space to keep up with house-building targets and the growth of online retail. The head of the UK Warehousing Association insisted warehouses were an "important engine of growth" and said several recent constructions near to people's home were the result of a "broken planning system". Speak to people in Corby town centre about warehouses and a theme soon emerges. "I think they're disgusting," one woman said, "an eyesore - I know we need them, but people have got their houses right next door." "We've got enough now" another woman tells me, "put them somewhere else." That may be wishful thinking. Will Laing, a research analyst at Newmark Group, a specialist in commercial real estate, said warehouses in Northamptonshire are likely to keep getting bigger, as occupiers seek to expand and improve performance. "We are seeing trade flows from the Port of Felixstowe in Suffolk increase significantly, and these trade flows naturally go into the golden logistics triangle (an area of the East Midlands). "Having a larger warehouse there allows for occupiers to reach the vast majority of consumers, and provides a central base for their other logistics networks." More homes mean more warehouses on the horizon, he said. "On average, 69 sq ft (6.4 sq m) of warehouse space is needed to service each new home," said Mr Laing. "Given the government's target to build 1.5 million homes in the next five years, coupled with the continued shift to online retail, we estimate 150,000,000 sq ft (13,935,456 sq m) of extra warehousing will be needed over the next 10 years." That's the equivalent of 2,160 football pitches, or about 1,500 large warehouses measuring 100,000 sq ft (9,290 sq m). The warehouse-dotted landscape in Northamptonshire has provoked anger from some communities. There have been thousands of objections to a proposed distribution siteon farmland near Thrapstonand a recently approved DHL logistics hubon the outskirts of Towcester. Elsewhere, in Corby, those opposed to living in the shadow of an 18m (59ft) warehouse on the site of the former Weetabix plant wererecently refused a judicial review. However, a judge said the council had "fallen well below the standard expected" by failing to consult residents properly after distributing notices to the wrong street. The warehouse in question, Rockingham 161, is currently vacant and taking bids from occupiers with the promise of bringing hundreds of jobs to the local area. It'sa similar story for villagers in Nactonnear Ipswich, who told the BBC a "mega-shed" near their homes, the size of six football pitches, had brought them to tears. Neighbours have described the warehouse as a "monstrosity" and "the wrong development, in the wrong location". But not everyone agrees warehouses are an eyesore. "I love them" says Clare Bottle, chief executive ofthe UK Warehousing Association. "If I had one at the bottom of my garden, I would genuinely not be disappointed, because I think they look majestic and wonderful. "But there is a bigger story here, because poorly located warehouses are a symptom of our broken planning system. "Those areas with warehouses near homes in Corby and Nacton have been nominated as industrial land, so it's easier to get planning permission, and we're finding in East Anglia there just isn't enough industrial land." However, that could soon change undergovernment reforms to planning policy, which are the subject of a public consultation. The measures would allow more areas of the green belt to be defined as grey belt, making them suitable for commercial development. Ministers insist logistics is one of the key industries the reforms will aim to support. "We're not building warehouses for the sake of it," Mrs Bottle said. "We're building them because they're an important engine of growth in our supply chains these days, and that's good for everyone. "We're more reliant on the service sector than ever before, and we're relying on goods being as close to the supply chain as possible." Despite public objections to more warehousing, the industry has been growing largely due to a shift in people's spending habits. Official figuresshow internet sales as a percentage of total retail has risen steadily over the past 20 years and now stands at about 27%, with consumers expecting ever quicker deliveries or returns. Clare Newton, commercial director atWarehouse Space, a storage rental service, says people need to get used to warehouses. "What human beings have got to appreciate is if they're buying stuff online and want it tomorrow, then guess what, it's going to a warehouse near you. "Eight per cent of the UK population is employed in logistics, and all of them are running around to make people's lives cheaper and easier."
Why are people living in the shadow of 'mega-sheds'?
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Northamptonshire Faces Growing Demand for Warehousing Amid Community Concerns"
Bbc News
7.9
TruthLens AI Summary
Northamptonshire, particularly Corby, has become a focal point for storage and distribution centers in the UK, hosting numerous 'mega-sheds' such as the headquarters of Europa and a new logistics campus for Nike. Real estate experts predict that this trend is just the beginning, as the UK may require over 2,000 football pitches worth of additional warehouse space to meet housing demands and support the growth of online retail. The head of the UK Warehousing Association has emphasized that warehouses are vital for economic growth, yet many residents express frustration over their proximity to homes. Some locals describe the warehouses as eyesores, with sentiments like "I think they're disgusting" and calls for them to be built elsewhere. Despite these objections, analysts indicate that the demand for larger warehouses will continue to rise due to increased trade flows and the need to accommodate new housing developments. For every new home built, approximately 69 square feet of warehouse space is needed, leading to projections of 150 million square feet of additional warehousing required over the next decade.
The community response to these developments has been mixed, with significant opposition to new warehouse proposals, including a distribution site near Thrapston and a DHL hub near Towcester. Legal challenges have arisen, such as a recent case in Corby where residents contested the construction of an 18-meter warehouse, only to be denied a judicial review despite concerns over inadequate consultation by the council. While some residents lament the presence of these large structures, others, including industry leaders like Clare Bottle from the UK Warehousing Association, argue that warehouses are essential for modern supply chains and economic stability. She advocates for better planning and location of these facilities, suggesting that current challenges stem from a broken planning system. As consumer habits shift increasingly towards online shopping, the necessity for nearby warehouses to facilitate quick delivery and returns has never been clearer, prompting calls for a reevaluation of land use policies to accommodate growing logistics needs in the region.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article sheds light on the growing presence of warehouses, specifically "mega-sheds," in Northamptonshire, England, and the public's mixed feelings about their expansion. It highlights the necessity for more warehouse space due to increasing online retail demands and housing targets. This situation presents a tension between economic growth and community concerns.
Community Sentiment
Residents of Corby express strong opinions about the warehouses, describing them as "disgusting" and "an eyesore." This reflects a broader concern among locals regarding the impact of these facilities on their quality of life. While some acknowledge the need for warehouses, there is a clear desire for them to be located elsewhere. This sentiment suggests a conflict between local community interests and the demands of the logistics industry.
Economic Implications
The article cites expert opinions asserting that the UK will require substantial warehouse space to accommodate projected housing developments and the growth of online shopping. This data emphasizes the economic rationale behind the construction of mega-sheds. The mention of a "broken planning system" indicates that regulatory frameworks may not effectively balance development with community needs, which could result in future conflicts between residents and developers.
Potential Hidden Agendas
While the article primarily focuses on the logistics and housing issues, it may downplay the environmental impact and the long-term effects on community character. By emphasizing economic growth and logistical necessities, it risks overshadowing the potential downsides of such developments, such as increased traffic, pollution, and loss of green spaces.
Manipulation and Framing
The framing of warehouses as a necessary evil for growth may lead to a perception that opposition is futile or selfish. This could be seen as a form of manipulation where the narrative prioritizes economic benefits over community welfare. The language used in the article, such as "engine of growth," may evoke a sense of urgency that could pressure communities into accepting changes they are uncomfortable with.
Comparative Analysis
When comparing this article to others discussing urban development, there is often a recurring theme of economic versus social priorities. Many articles in similar contexts highlight the benefits of development while downplaying community concerns, suggesting a broader trend in media coverage that favors economic narratives over social ones.
Impact on Society and Economy
The expansion of warehouses could lead to increased job opportunities, which may initially benefit local economies. However, if community concerns are not addressed, it could lead to social unrest and opposition movements, potentially complicating future developments. The focus on logistics aligns with the ongoing shift in consumer behavior towards online shopping, which could significantly alter local economies.
Target Audience
This article seems to aim at various stakeholders, including local residents, businesses, and policymakers. It attempts to resonate with community members who are concerned about the impact of rapid development on their neighborhoods while providing insights to businesses and real estate professionals about market trends.
Market Influence
The emphasis on warehouse growth may influence stock prices of logistics and retail companies. For investors, understanding the demand for warehouse space can inform decisions regarding companies involved in e-commerce and distribution.
Geopolitical Relevance
While the article primarily focuses on a local issue, the trends in logistics and warehousing reflect broader global shifts in trade and consumer behavior. The increasing reliance on online retail has implications for international supply chains and economic policies.
Use of AI in Journalism
The writing style of the article suggests a structured and analytical approach, which may indicate the involvement of AI tools in data analysis or trend identification. AI models could have assisted in synthesizing complex information to present a coherent narrative on the logistics industry’s growth.
In conclusion, this article presents a nuanced picture of the challenges and opportunities presented by the rise of mega-sheds in Northamptonshire, balancing economic growth with community concerns. It raises critical questions about urban planning and the social implications of rapid development, making it a significant piece for understanding current trends.