East Midlands Freeport

We’ve recently been in talks with Ruth Edwards MP about our concerns that proposals for the new East Midlands Freeport might involve invasion of development onto green belt land near Ratcliffe on Soar.

The area involved is in Ms. Edwards Rushcliffe constituency and is where the power station is due to close. Local residents have also expressed their worries about the possibilities of increased aircraft noise. Ruth Edwards is also on the Freeport Board.

What is a freeport?

Freeports are usually located around shipping ports, or airports. Goods that arrive into freeports from abroad are exempt from tax charges, called tariffs, that are normally paid to the government. These taxes are only paid if the goods leave the freeport and are moved elsewhere in the UK. Otherwise, they are sent overseas without the charges being paid. The UK had seven freeports between 1984 and 2012. Freeports (which can be up to 45km (27 miles) across) are being brought back because it is hoped they will help regenerate deprived areas. In England, companies inside the sites will be offered temporary tax breaks. These include reductions to the tax companies pay on their existing property, and when they buy new buildings.

Our response

You can find our letter to Ruth Edwards MP here.

The response from Ruth Edwards MP is here. She says the Freeport will be pivotal in encouraging green investment.

CPRE both locally and nationally will keep a close eye on how the proposals develop.