Iceni is proud to launch the third edition of our annual insights into the industrial and logistics markets, which this year provides a particular focus on last mile logistics.

We explore some of the key issues, opportunities and challenges facing the sector, informed by discussions with developers, operators and local authorities.

This covers the planning, transport and public engagement aspects associated with the last mile, with input from Iceni’s specialist teams.

There is a growing trend towards the use of increasingly urban and centrally located last mile facilities in recent years. An increasing demand for deliveries, in part fuelled by the e-commerce boom and a shift towards just-in-time deliveries, has resulted in the need for innovative solutions to transport goods from larger warehouses to customers. Within densely occupied and congested cities, last mile facilities are a key solution to transporting goods quickly and efficiently on the final leg of their journey.

Urban last mile facilities deliver benefits including increased efficiency, reduced vehicle emissions and wider environmental benefits such as the conversion of redundant and underutilised spaces to create highly efficient and sustainable buildings.

It is evident that the last mile is still a relatively new concept, with developers and operators refining their models. This can make it difficult to explain the day-to-day operation of these units and the key benefits associated with development proposals.

Meanwhile, the significant need for last mile is at risk of being overlooked in local needs assessments, and policy coverage is relatively patchy, although this is improving over time.

Our key findings in the report lead to the following conclusions and recommendations:

• A need for greater recognition of the importance of last mile and a better understanding of the last mile concept and requirements;
• Last mile demand should be a specific consideration in employment need studies;
• Local Plans should address needs for last mile, and identify specific locations that respond to operators’ requirements;
• A need for more strategic guidance;
• Consideration for last mile to be described by a new Use Class.

Click here to read our Research

If you would like to discuss our findings further, then please contact Stuart Mills or Matt Kinghan.