Fears Op Stack lorry park bigger than first thought

A proposed lorry park for Operation Stack off the M20 could be much larger than first thought, it has been claimed.

Residents closest to the site off near Folkestone began meetings with officials from Highways England this week.

Some involved say they were given the impression the site could be 250 acres – not the estimated 150 acres as originally forecast. It has also been claimed the lorry park will be used roundthe-clock for overnight parking for 500 lorries.

Residents had the meetings with officials this week and were shown maps of the site but were not allowed to keep them.

Officials explained a larger site would be necessary to provide appropriate space for HGVs to get on and off the park and slip roads from the motorway.

It was also suggested the potential for landscaping the park to minimise the visual impact and noise may be limited.

The government has allocated £250 million to build the park off the M20 at Stanford, near Folkestone. It could accommodate as many as 3,600 HGVs.

Matthew Webb, the chairman of Stanford Parish Council, said the revelations raised questions about whether residents would be adequately safeguarded from noise and the visual impact.

He said: “I would like Highways England to have the same conversation with the parish council that they are having with residents, as we are the local authority for the site where they are planning to build.”

In its original consultation document, Highways England said the size of the lorry park “will depend on the site chosen, and factors such as its access and internal arrangements and boundary treatment. However, 3,600 spaces is roughly the same capacity as the area laid out for parking at Manston; which occupies approximately 152 acres.”

A spokesperson for Highways England said: “Operation Stack is only ever used as a last resort but we recognise the impact it has on roads in Kent, and are determined to deliver an alternative solution.

“The size of the lorry area remains 150 acres, with a further 100 acres of the site which will include trees and other meas- ures to shield the site from local properties. We are committed to working with the community to ensure the design of the new lorry area minimises the impact on the local area.

“The new lorry area by the M20 will deliver better journeys for drivers and will support the region’s economy.”

What do you think? Write to Kentish Express, 34-36 North Street, Ashford, TN24 8JR or email kentishexpress@thekmgroup.co.uk

Operation Stack. Right, Stanford Parish Council chairman Matthew Webb