Plans give go-ahead given for Doncaster's inland port
Plans for an "inland port" in Doncaster have been given the go-ahead.
Doncaster Council has agreed planning permission for a rail freight terminal in Rossington, which it says will create more than 5,500 jobs.
Developer Helioslough said sea containers would be brought there and the contents broken into smaller units for distribution.
Mayor of Doncaster, Peter Davies, said the port would "build on Doncaster's growing reputation as a logistics hub".
The site is alongside the derelict Rossington Colliery.
It is claimed the development will reduce freight traffic on local roads by moving it to rail.
Opponents, including The Campaign for the Protection of Rural England, have cited concerns over the loss of greenbelt land and increased lorry movements.
The terminal will link to junction three of the M18, which received funding from the government's Regional Growth Fund.
Mike Hughes, chief executive office of Helios Europe, represents the consortium of developers, Helios Europe, Segro and Shepherd Development.
"The inland port development is of strategic importance to Doncaster and the wider region and will be a major catalyst for inward investment and significant economic growth.
"With the support of Doncaster Council we are advancing our plans to prepare for a construction start in 2012," he said.