A planning inspector has granted permission to build two warehouses near a nature reserve.
Campaigners had fought to stop the development on green fields in Maple Cross but it will go ahead after an appeal was successful.
The land had been allocated for employment space by Three Rivers District Council but the plans went to appeal after the council failed to make a decision on time.
Read more: Warehouse plans go to appeal
The Maple Cross Residents Environment Group had urged the council to refuse BCL’s proposal, citing concerns about the impact on traffic, the noise, the threat to a rare forester moth, and how piling works, which involves digging into the ground, could affect water supply.
The main reason the council failed to make a firm decision was it was waiting for independent advice on the impact of piling.
But after the appeal went in, the council received the advice it was seeking and came to the view that the effect on water supply and Maple Cross Nature Reserve could be “managed”.
Read more: Plans for warehouses in Maple Cross raise objections
The public inquiry in April heard evidence from the residents’ group, applicant BCL, and the council.
In a decision published on Monday, planning inspector Darren Hendley concluded the main issue is the effect of the proposal on the rare forester moth, of which there has been one recorded sighting at the site, and the impact of the warehouses on neighbours.
The inspector recognised the “important economic need” for the development.
He said the proposal would not have an “unacceptable” effect on biodiversity interests and said alternative wildlife habitation was being offered.
With regards to noise, the inspector noted concerns from properties in Longmore Close but said the proposal would not result in a “significant” adverse effect on noise and said there would be controls through planning conditions agreed with the council.
Explaining why the appeal was being upheld, Mr Hendley said: “I have found the proposal to be not unacceptable with regard to the effect on biodiversity interests and on the living conditions of the occupiers of local residential properties by way of noise from the traffic and operation of the proposal.
“The proposal would comply with the policies in the development plan when considered as a whole.”
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