“We’re not corrupt,” council says after “shocking” planning decision.

A Leicestershire council has said it is “not corrupt” after being heavily criticized for a decision it made on a hugely controversial massive storage scheme. More than 2,600 objections were raised against the planning application for the scheme, called Enderby Logistics Hub, before Blaby District Council’s planning committee decided to approve it.

Last week’s decision was a major blow to residents who spent years fighting it over fears it would clog their roads, disturb their peace and concrete over the last remaining green space between Enderby and the city. Following the approval, objectors took to social media to express their anger – with some suggesting the council had acted in a thinly veiled manner.

In response, the authority posted a statement online saying that while it understood the decision had disappointed “some” people and was aware there was “bad feeling” about it, its staff and advisers were “not corrupt” and fair procedures and planning law were followed.

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A plan for the four large warehouses and a training center to be built next to the Enderby Park and Ride site, near St Johns, was submitted by developer Drummond Estate and the Invernock Trust last October. That request was rejected – a decision that was welcomed at the time by those who had long campaigned against it.

A new plan was then submitted for the original four warehouses plus three general industrial buildings. That application was approved by the council’s planning committee last week on Thursday 13 June.

The decision led to objectors venting their anger on private and public Facebook groups. One person posting in a public group said: “Serious pocket lining has been done here.” Another said: “This needs to be investigated.”

The district council defended itself against criticism in its own public post, saying: “We understand that the decision to approve the Enderby Logistics Hub has disappointed some people in the community. While we understand there is bad feeling about the decision made by the planning committee, please be assured that Blaby District Council staff and councilors are not corrupt, due process and planning law has been followed.

“While a passionate debate is expected on social media, we ask that those who discuss and debate in their community groups express their views respectfully. We are all human beings and no one should be subjected to personal attacks, abuse or threats. Thank you for your understanding.”

The post prompted another outpouring of comments from frustrated opponents of the center. One wrote: “But why allow such a development knowing full well all the implications it will have on surrounding communities, road infrastructure, pollution? Clearly, no one is really listening to the people.”

Another posted: “I don’t think a figure of 2,660 could be described as ‘some’ people! You certainly have to understand why people suggest it is corrupt, when no one can understand why a development opposed by so many residents, which will have such a huge negative impact on the community, has been approved.

“Do any of the councilors who voted for this live or work in the affected area?” added one resident. “I guess not, otherwise you would already see first hand how bad the traffic and pollution is. Shame on you Blaby District Council.”

One colleague said that while they disagreed with claims that the council was “corrupt”, they found the decision “unbelievable”. They wrote: “Definition of corruption. Corruption is a form of dishonesty or a criminal offense that is undertaken by a person or an organization entrusted with a position of authority to obtain illicit benefits or abuse power for personal gain.

“From my understanding, there was nothing corrupt in the decision of the BDC Planning Committee. However, the decision is incredible given the level of evidence presented by community groups and the objections of individuals.”

A member of campaign group Snub The Hub wrote: “Hi guys, We are all very shocked by today’s result and it really shows that money will always come first, over air quality, emergency response times , legally protected species (it’s easier to kill baby badgers than deal with them, right?) and even YOUR vote.

“I’ve spent the last year (as part of Snub The Hub) putting together a huge audit that shows the alarming realities this hub will create. This project was sent to the planning committee well in advance and with this knowledge they still passed it. all.”

The application was for outline permission only, meaning the scheme was approved in principle. The precise details still need to be submitted and approved by the board.