THE developer behind plans for a controversial new rail freight hub has pledged to keep noise to a minimum.
Goodman Shepherd wants to construct the interchange on a 630-acre site between Egginton and Etwall in a move that would create 7,000 jobs.
But at the scheme's first public consultation event yesterday, villagers said they feared the hub would be a "blight" on the landscape, causing disruption for a decade.
But Ian Pritchard, developer director for Goodman Shepherd, vowed that plans were in place to ensure the development affected residents as little as possible.
He said: "Noise surveys are currently being carried out. We will be working with Network Rail and the freight companies on the scheduling of trains. There are various things we can do to mitigate impact, including using technology.
"There is a real wealth of manufacturing in this area. Rail freight produces 70% less carbon dioxide than road. This is a big benefit and could be a big tick in the box for companies."
But resident Mike Stephenson, 74, of Egginton, is against the plans. "This is an enormous scheme that will seriously blight our village, in the building and running of it," he said.
"The construction of it will be quite traumatic for everybody concerned, what with the movement of traffic, noise and light pollution."
