Ocado has lost its five-year battle to open a new DC next to a primary school in London

The decision from the Planning Inspectorate ends a five-year battle after a sixth attempt from Ocado to gain use of the site.

Ocado’s bid involved having access to the site for a new 24/7 distribution depot which would be located three metres away from Yerbury Primary School in Tufnell Park.

In response to the dismissal, which was confirmed yesterday after a four-day hearing last month, Ocado confirmed it is now seeking another site.

A spokesperson for Ocado said: “We are in discussions to find an alternative occupier for the site” and added that the site is “no longer part of our current business plan”.

The Planning Inspectorate drew the conclusion that as the site had not been used for a similar purpose for more than 10 years, it was not deemed lawful for a depot to open.

Before yesterday’s dismissal, Islington Council had already refused Ocado’s bid three times. Ocado also lost an appeal at the High Court in May, 2021, as well as the subsequent attempt in the Court of Appeal.

Campaigners are now calling for changes to national policy that prevent the opening of distributions centres within 400m of “vulnerable communities”. This is to avoid increased risks of air, noise and light pollution that “harms learning”.

Campaigner Mark Hudson said: “The news comes as a massive relief to a community that has been put under huge stress. Over the five years of the battle, our local community has given incredible support in terms of crowdfunding for legal fees, practical expertise and amazing goodwill.

“We hope Ocado will face the fact that their hub is neither legal nor welcome, and put a stop to dragging our community, or any other community, through every angle in the legal process.

“We continue to press upon the new government to protect communities with vulnerabilities and ensure a 400 metre distance for new depots.”