Permanent border facility approved for Kent

Plans to make permanent a huge border facility in Kent have been approved by the government.

Sevington Inland Border Facility near Ashford was built in 2021 in order to carry out checks on goods going in and out of the UK following Brexit.

A government spokesman said the site played “a vital role in maintaining the UK’s border security and biosecurity”.

Borough and parish councillors had objected to the site as “environmentally damaging” and because of the amount of light it generated at night.

The approved development includes buildings, goods vehicle parking spaces, entry lanes and refrigerated semi-trailers operating 24 hours per day, seven days per week.

The Planning Inspectorate decision was made following an inquiry during which the public, statutory consultees and interested parties were given the opportunity to make representations.

Linda Harman, an independent councillor on Ashford Borough Council said the site “completely bleached the sky”.

Gavin Murphy, chairman of Mersham Parish Council, said it “resembles a prison wall”.

Ashford Borough Council’s planning committee voted unanimously to support the development, but with recommendations for a plan to minimise noise and light disruption and for tree planting.

The council has been approached for comment.

The government said: “We recognise the impact of the site on the local community, and we will consider any concerns raised by consultees as part of the planning application process.”