The future of a controversial border facility has been secured after its permanent status was approved by the government.
Sevington Inland Border Facility in Ashford was built in order to carry out checks on goods going in and out of the UK following Brexit.
The 230-acre site opened next to Junction 10a of the M20 in 2021, but only under a five-year temporary arrangement after a Special Development Order (SDO) was granted by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.
As such, transport chiefs sought permanent permission for the site, which also houses a Border Control Post (BCP) for checks on food and plant products.
In a joint application put forward by the Department for Transport (DfT), Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and HMRC, the site was deemed a critical requirement in the national interest as it improves border security.
An application was lodged with Ashford Borough Council (ABC), but was not to be decided on by the authority.
Instead, it was via the Crown Development route – secondary legislation introduced by the Labour government in May.
This applications to be submitted and decided on directly by the Secretary of State, rather than through local authorities.
A three-day inquiry launched earlier this month and a government inspector has now granted permanent status for the site – a move which will see the number of parking spaces for lorries increase by 15%, from 855 to 954.
Over the years though, the site though has proved unpopular with many residents due to issues with lighting and littering.
However, the inspector said recent measures such as not illuminating certain areas when not in use has helped the issue.
It was also noted an agreed lighting mitigation and implementation planning condition, alongside a litter maintenance and management plan, will help solve the issues further.
In February, neighbours said more signs are needed as lost lorry drivers continue to knock down fences and churn up grass verges due to sat-navs often directing them to the staff entrance at the rear of the facility in Church Road, rather than the main entrance off the A2070.
During a site visit, the inspector, who revealed about 2,000 vehicles check in and out of the site each day, noted “there are some deficiencies in signage”.
They added: “Given the strategic and international importance of the IBF and BCP, including to cross-Channel trade, the absence of clear signage off the M20 at Junction 10a appears inadequate.
“It would appear reasonable and sensible to impose a planning condition requiring a clear signage strategy.
“This is to ensure drivers to and from the entry/exit points can easily locate and access the site.”
Church Road resident Cllr Paul Bartlett (Con), who represents Mersham, Sevington South with Finberry on ABC, says he was pleased with the conditions set out in the report.
Cllr Bartlett told KentOnline: “I was very pleased with the engagement with the community, parish council and myself.
“I think the inspector did a good job on hearing our concerns and has taken them on board.
“We will have to wait and see how the conditions he imposed on the use of the site pan out and I will be there to hold the DfT to account on their obligations.
“We have commitments to look at signage, lighting, littering and a significant contribution towards Sevington Church on its “re-ordering” (enabling the Church to better be used by the community).
“I am confident we now have sufficient engagement with the DfT and HMRC and will work well with them.”
The IBF employs 941 staff and a further 205 across an active supply chain, of these, 433 live in Ashford.
