Permanent border facility approved for Kent near Ashford

A permanent border facility at Sevington, near Ashford in Kent, has been approved by the government. The Sevington Inland Border Facility, built in 2021 to carry out checks on goods moving to and from the United Kingdom after Brexit, will operate permanently. A government spokesman said the site plays "a vital role in maintaining the UK's border security and biosecurity."

The development includes buildings, goods vehicle parking spaces, entry lanes and refrigerated semi-trailers, and it will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The Planning Inspectorate issued the decision after an inquiry during which the public, statutory consultees and interested parties were given the opportunity to make representations.

Local reaction has been mixed. Linda Harman, an independent councillor on Ashford Borough Council, said the site "completely bleached the sky" and 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 to minimize noise and light disruption and to increase tree planting.

The council has been approached for comment. A government spokesman 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."

The Sevington facility is part of post-Brexit border infrastructure intended to streamline checks on goods moving between the UK and mainland Europe. The government emphasises the site’s role in border security and biosecurity, while acknowledging local concerns about environmental impact and night-time disruption.