Concerns amid plans for border facility to stay

The site was opened in 2021 and is used to carry out checks on goods going in and out of the UK following Brexit

Concerned councillors say a huge border facility "bleaches" the sky and "casts the glow of a sports stadium" as plans to give it permanent status move forward.

Sevington Inland Border Facility (IBF) in Ashford, Kent, was built in order to carry out checks on goods going in and out of the UK following Brexit.

Ashford Borough Councillor Linda Harman, from the Ashford Independent party, said: "I can assure you that looking towards Junction 10a [of the M20] from any point in Aldington, the sky is bleached, completely bleached."

A government spokesman says the site "plays a vital role in maintaining the UK's border security and biosecurity".

The council cannot make a decision on the scheme, but it has to be consulted for its views before the government's planning inspectorate has the final say.

In a statement, Gavin Murphy, chairman of Mersham Parish Council, told the committee how the site "resembles a prison wall".

"Our public footpaths and bridleways now run alongside a facility which is both visually oppressive and acoustically disruptive," he said.

Murphy asked that the fencing be "screened, softened, or replace altogether".

The council voted unanimously to tell the planning inspectorate they supported the development, but with recommendations

He added: "By our estimate, only 10% to 15% of its actual footprint is ever in active use, yet the entire facility is illuminated each night, casting the glow of a sports stadium across our skies.

"This is unnecessary, environmentally damaging and intrusive on residents' quality of life."

Sevington and Finberry Parish Council agreed, saying "the site does not blend into its surroundings, with residents comparing it to a prison".

While Ashford Borough Council cannot reject the application, it is responsible for making sure planning permission is implemented correctly if it is given, the Local Democracy Reporting Service says.

The council's planning committee voted unanimously to tell the planning inspectorate they supported the development, but with recommendations to come up with a plan to minimise noise and light disruption, and for tree planting to work.

If the inspectorate grants permission and accepts these proposals, the borough council will be involved in future plans to control the light, sound, and landscaping around the IBF.

The government said: "We recognise the impact of the site on the local community, and we will consider any concerns raised by consultees as part of the planning application process."