APPROVAL FOR BID TO CONVERT TRUCK STOP TO CUSTOMS SITE

PLANS to convert a former truck stop on Anglesey into a Brexit customs facility have been approved.

The UK Government completed the purchase of the Roadking unit at Holyhead’s Parc Cybi last summer and later submitted its application for planning permission.

Although the application was approved some councillors expressed concerns.

Cllr Trefor Lloyd Hughes said he supported the application but said he had received numerous complaints about noise pollution from the site as it operates 24 hours a day.

He added the lights at the site were intrusive.

Cllr Eric Wyn Jones shared Cllr Hughes’ concerns, fearing the site was not large enough to cope with the number of lorries likely to use the site. He urged HMRC to purchase further land to ensure there was sufficient space.

Planning officer Rhys Lloyd Jones said lighting at the site was considered to be “sympathetic and appropriate” and the problems caused by lorries parking could be alleviated if a truck parking site is approved by councillors.

He said that application was awaited by officers.

The council’s planning committee heard creating an Inland Border Facility has been made necessary as a result of the UK leaving the European Union and single market.

The facility will provide a physical checkpoint to conduct documentary and physical inspection checks on goods being imported from, and exported to, the

EU, where existing ports do not have the capacity.

Addressing the meeting on behalf of HMRC, Iain Leech said the application would make use of the existing layout and buildings and have the capability of processing up to 350 lorries each day.

Parking for HGVS as well as security measures and facilities to enable the checking of vehicles and goods entering and exiting the site, as well as staff welfare facilities, will be provided.

Up to 175 jobs would be created and while some HMRC and Border Force staff would be drafted in from elsewhere the majority of staff would be recruited locally.

Nearly 400 people would be employed during the construction phase.