An inland lorry park in North Weald has been proposed to help with congestion in Dover and Kent after Britain leaves the EU.
Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) have put forward plans for a lorry park, known as an Inland Border Facility (IBF), at North Weald Airfield.
The proposed facility, which will operate 24/7, is estimated to accommodate up to 53 Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGV).
The lorry park, which would commence operations at the end of the Brexit Transition Period on December 31, is awaiting planning permission.
The plans are due to be considered by Secretary of State for housing, communities and local government Robert Jenrick MP.
Approximately 60 full time staff will be on site in shift patterns with the IBF operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
HMRC officials expect the site to will be required to be used as a lorry park for at least two years.
Site proposal documents state: “The inland border facility proposals are temporary and are designed to ensure no significant or long-term environmental effects. HMRC, alongside other Government departments, has reviewed the options for use of the site and, based on current planning, expect the site to be needed for up to two years.
“Given the temporary nature of the inland border facilities, reinstatement plans will be prepared for approval which can be implemented when any inland border facility activities cease.”
HMRC says it still assessing the potential traffic impacts on the surrounding area but claim initial traffic modelling indicate “there are expected to be no significant impacts as a results of the proposals for the North Weald Inland Border Facility.”
Most lorries travelling to the IBF will access the site from the north, exiting the M11 at junction 7 onto the A414.
Britain and the EU are currently in a transition period, meaning until 31 December the pre-Brexit status quo prevails while the terms of the future EU-UK relationship are negotiated.
However, talks have stalled in recent weeks.
Downing Street has said that unless there is a “fundamental change of approach” from Brussels, “there is no basis to resume talks”.
A Number 10 spokesman said there had been a “constructive discussion” and the UK and EU teams would remain in close touch, but stressed that there was no hope of progress unless Brussels dramatically altered its position.
Residents have been invited to voice their opinions on the proposals at: www.inlandborderfacilities.uk.
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