UPDATE: The future of the Sevington Inland Border Facility in Ashford has just been secured with the UK government granting it permanent status. This decision, confirmed today, solidifies the facility’s role in conducting vital checks on goods entering and leaving the UK post-Brexit.
Opened in 2021 under a temporary five-year arrangement, the 230-acre site next to Junction 10a of the M20 will now operate permanently following an inquiry that concluded earlier this month. The facility, which houses a Border Control Post (BCP), is deemed critical for enhancing national border security, according to a joint application from the Department for Transport (DfT), Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), and HMRC.
The decision to grant permanent status was made through the Crown Development route, bypassing local authority decision-making and directly involving the Secretary of State. This move reflects the urgent need to bolster UK border operations amid rising traffic and security demands.
Officials report that approximately 2,000 vehicles check in and out of the site daily, highlighting its strategic importance for cross-Channel trade. The approved plan includes a significant increase in parking capacity, raising the number of lorry spaces from 855 to 954, addressing ongoing logistical challenges.
Despite these advancements, the facility has faced backlash from local residents due to issues with lighting, littering, and navigation. The inspector acknowledged these concerns but noted that measures, including reduced lighting when the facility is inactive, have started to alleviate these problems. An agreed-upon lighting mitigation plan and a litter management strategy will also be implemented to further address community grievances.
Local Councillor Paul Bartlett expressed cautious optimism following the inspector’s report. He stated, “I was very pleased with the engagement with the community… The inspector has taken our concerns on board.” He emphasized the importance of ongoing dialogue with government departments to ensure commitments on signage, lighting, and community contributions are met.
Residents have pointed out that inadequate signage has led to confusion for drivers, with many mistakenly accessing staff entrances instead of the main entry off the A2070. The inspector highlighted these deficiencies and recommended a clear signage strategy to facilitate better navigation for incoming and outgoing traffic.
As this facility transitions to permanent status, stakeholders will be closely monitoring its operational impacts and community relations. The facility currently employs 941 staff, with 433 residing in Ashford, underscoring its significance to the local economy.
This development is expected to evolve further, and officials are keen to ensure that the community’s concerns are addressed while enhancing border security measures. Stay tuned for more updates on this unfolding story.
