Work on the new G-Park warehouse complex on the outskirts of Ashby has begun after a lengthy delay caused by a protected species.

But the delay from getting planning permission to commencing building on the £100million project amounted to well over a year.

That was due to a colony of great crested newts being discovered in the area.

The Construction Enquirer website reports that the reptiles have now been rehoused - meaning that the scheme can now go ahead as planned.

The GLP asset management company says the major logistics and distribution scheme close to the junction to the A42 on he A511 and Corkscrew Lane, could support almost 1,000 new jobs.

But it is a project that attracted strong opposition from Ashby de la Zouch Town Council and the Ashby Civic Society before the go-ahead was given by North West Leicestershire District Council 18 months ago.

GLP has started earthworks at the 48-acre development site and says either one or two logistics warehouses of up to 736,487 sq ft will be created depending on demand.

The national developer has secured outline planning permission for the scheme, which is scheduled to complete by early 2024.

Ashby G-Park is given the green light despite major opposition locally

The site is next to the A511 and Corkscrew Lane near Ashby. Photo: Ashby Nub News

Despite the opposition to the scheme in Ashby, GLP says the project forms part of a 'golden triangle' in the Midlands.

Ashby Civic Society echoes its objections to G-Park complex planned for outskirts of town

Adrienne Howells, senior development director at GLP, said: "G-Park Ashby is an exciting addition to our portfolio in the Midlands and indicates our ongoing confidence in opportunities in the Golden Triangle. - following the success of projects such as Magna Park Lutterworth.

"Trends such as e-commerce have buoyed already high demand for prime logistics space, particularly high-quality, conveniently-located, sustainable facilities such as this.

"Not only will this new development bring excellent opportunities for our customers, it will also boost employment in the region, creating almost 1,000 new jobs and providing major benefits for the local economy.

"Once again, we are planning our development with place-making as a priority, focusing on environmental features such as our ponds, green open spaces and our G-Hive bee programme."