Warehouse Resources

Within the UK planning system, the B8 Use Class refers to properties that are designed for both the safekeeping of goods (storage) and the efficient movement and dispatch of items (distribution).

There can be many different types of facilities within these development schemes but typically they include very large warehouses (fondly known as mega-sheds).

Currently though residents are paying the price for poor planning decisions by councils and the Planning Inspectorate.

B8 Warehouses - The financial, mental and physical health effects on communities - July 2026

With many thanks to Astley Warehouse Action Group, STAUNCH and Protect Diseworth, this webinar was recorded on 2nd July 2026, and was shocking and worrying to watch.

Astley Warehouse Action Group described the horror of finding a mega-shed right behind their houses. The warehouse has rightly been awarded Carbuncle of the Year 2026.

STAUNCH (Save Titchmarsh, Thrapston amd the Upper Nene Countryside and Habitats) took us through their legal journey.

Protect Diseworth told us about their efforts to protect their conservation village from expansion of the East Midlands Airport Freeport.

All 3 groups shared the toil it took on their daily lives and how important it is to work together. The aim of the Webinar was to identify practical solutions, including potential changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), to better manage the impacts of B8 developments on communities, including mitigating impacts on health, wellbeing, the environment and public finances linked to such developments. While we recognise the importance of logistics infrastructure, many communities feel their concerns are being dismissed or completely ignored, despite significant consequences for them and their local environments.

Here is the link to CPA’s report on the topic: Besieged by B8s

And we have a petition with Protect Diseworth calling for changes to the National Planning Policy Framework to ensure that the building of B8 warehouses and the 24/7 operation of such mega-sheds is not permitted within 500 metres of residential properties. Link to petition: Sign Here

Presentation Slides from all 3 groups

CPA Petition: Locate B8 Megasheds Further from Residential Dwellings - April 2026

We have a petition to government asking for these mega warehouses (typically over 20m high and operating 24×7) to be located at least 500m from residential properties.

Link: Petition

CPA Report: Besieged by B8s - December 2025

We recognise that B8 warehousing facilities play a critical role in the supply chain to meet the growing demands of e-commerce and fast-paced retail industries. Maintaining efficient logistics does not, however, need to destroy the lives of communities or cause a further substantial decline in our ecology and biodiversity.

Because the UK has so little focus on sustainable freight transport, very few of these sites are in truly sustainable locations. This results in huge numbers of heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) using local and national road networks, 24 hours a day, every single day. This is not good news for the environment, for our NHS, for communities or for nature.

Take a look at our report, link below, and take action – write to your MP today.

Link to CPA Report: Besieged by B8s

Do you have or know of any resources that should be included in this library? If so, please contact us today!