Sevington Inland Border Facility in Kent Approved as Permanent
The Sevington Inland Border Facility near Ashford, Kent, which was built in 2021, has been approved to become a permanent border facility. It is used for checks on goods entering and leaving the UK following Brexit and is set to operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with refrigerated semi-trailers and dedicated entry lanes.
The Planning Inspectorate approved the development after an inquiry, with the government stating that the facility plays a vital role in border security and biosecurity.
However, there has been local opposition citing concerns over environmental damage and excessive night lighting. Councillors and parish councils raised these issues during the planning process.
Ashford Borough Council's planning committee unanimously supported the plan but recommended measures to minimize noise and light disruption, as well as the planting of trees to mitigate environmental impact.
The government has said it will take into account the concerns raised by consultees as part of the ongoing planning process.
