Lorry park is in public interest

When the Ashford Brexit lorry park was first revealed at short notice, it was named as a customs checkpoint, this then went on to a lorry holding area; now it’s finally being called a lorry park... what is it?! The residents of Ashford were shockingly made aware of a new build taking place without any warning. Howis this legal and how can anyone justify that “it would not be in the public interest for the information to be released?”

There are many reasons as to why this is in the public interest…

1. Pollution

2. Noise

3. Lower property value 4. Traffic

... The list goes on.

A list was published back in December of 29 companies/ authorities which were contacted about this new plan... how many of these people being advised actually live in the area?

How many of these people will have the need to use customs clearance?

But this is not the only ‘error’. It was first projected to be 27 acres, then onto 66 acres... was there a problem with the tape measure?

According to KCC’s Toby Howe, this would hold between 1,3001,500 vehicles, but these figures change more than the weather.

My biggest question amongst all this is... when the five years are up, will this lorry park actually be done with?

I have my doubts as I’m sure a loophole will be created to give the government permanent use of this site... Damian Green openly states he was unaware of this plan until the ‘last minute’, however after speaking to other officials/MPs in other locations planned also for lorry holding areas, I was informed they were aware of this plan back in 2019. Brian Marchant