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Date submitted

11 Sep 2025

Submitted by

Interested Party

I wish to strongly object to the proposed extension and potential permanent designation of the lorry park and customs facility at Sevington, directly across from my home. The introduction of this development has already caused a serious decline in the quality of life for nearby residents, and it would be wholly inappropriate and unjustifiable to make this situation permanent. One of the most immediate and unavoidable issues is the level of light pollution generated by the site. Similar to objections raised in other residential areas affected by large-scale industrial lighting—such as those near retail distribution centres or waste treatment facilities—the glow from the hundreds of high-intensity floodlights at Sevington floods into neighbouring homes throughout the night. The effect is constant and overwhelming, disrupting natural sleep patterns, preventing rooms from ever truly becoming dark, and creating an environment more akin to an airport runway than a community street. This represents a clear and unreasonable loss of residential amenity. In addition, the noise pollution associated with the park is both persistent and invasive. The constant arrival, departure, and idling of HGVs, often throughout the night, creates a level of background noise that makes outdoor spaces unusable and windows difficult to open. This is a well-documented problem in areas adjacent to similar 24/7 logistics facilities, and it has a proven impact on mental health, stress levels, and overall well-being. There is also the significant issue of traffic safety and congestion. I regularly travel past the Sevington site multiple times a day, including during peak school run hours. Since the site opened, I’ve personally witnessed a sharp rise in accidents and near-misses at Junction 10A and nearby roundabouts. Many of the lorry drivers using the site appear unfamiliar with local roads and frequently make unpredictable manoeuvres. This has created an increasingly hazardous environment, particularly for pedestrians and schoolchildren, and it is not acceptable to allow this level of risk to become a permanent fixture of life in Ashford. Further compounding the problem is the ongoing misuse of local roads and lay-bys by HGV drivers. Despite signage clearly indicating restrictions, the lay-by directly outside my property is routinely used by multiple lorries at once. These vehicles block visibility, obstruct driveways, and disregard local parking rules. Similar patterns have been seen in other towns where enforcement has been minimal — and once behaviour like this becomes normalised, it is extremely difficult to reverse. Litter, human waste, and general antisocial behaviour have become regular features of the surrounding area, and there appears to be no serious enforcement or management effort in place from the council or site operators. The visual impact of the lorry park is also significant and damaging. What was previously a green and semi-rural outlook has been replaced with a stark, industrial expanse of tarmac, fencing, lighting, and vehicle movement. As with other poorly integrated infrastructure projects placed close to homes, the site dominates the landscape in a way that is entirely at odds with the character of the area and the values of the local community. This is not a matter of personal taste — it is a clear and ongoing example of how poor planning decisions can permanently degrade the look and feel of a town. There is also a direct and measurable economic impact on homeowners. Like many others in the area, I have seen my property value decrease since the opening of the site. Prospective buyers and estate agents alike have cited proximity to the lorry park, with its noise, traffic, and visual impact, as a major deterrent. This is consistent with property trends near other intrusive developments and raises serious questions about the fairness and equity of forcing a small number of residents to shoulder the burden of a national infrastructure issue. Ultimately, there are many other, more suitable locations along the M20 corridor that could have hosted such a facility — locations that would have offered the same strategic access to Dover without embedding an HGV customs site directly into the heart of a growing town. It is deeply frustrating to see Ashford treated as a convenient dumping ground for a project of this scale, with seemingly little regard for the residents who live here. This development was imposed as a temporary solution, but it has never been fit for long-term use in a residential area. The idea that it should now become a permanent part of Ashford’s landscape is not only inappropriate — it is unfair, unsustainable, and contrary to good planning principles. I therefore urge the planning authority to refuse this application and begin restoring balance and integrity to local planning decisions. Should a hearing be scheduled regarding this proposal, I would appreciate the opportunity to speak and provide further comment in person.