Plans unveiled to build lorry park near Dover Port

A developer has said the plans could boost the economy

Plans have been unveiled for a 70-acre (28.3 hectares) lorry park to serve freight traffic passing through the Port of Dover.

The site would be located at the Court Wood Interchange on the A20, the final junction on the approach to Dover.

Developer GSE Group, which also operates the Ashford International Truckshop, said the park "could boost the town's economy", offer welfare facilities for HGV drivers, and reduce disruption.

Chairperson Darrell Healey said: "By helping to meet critical shortfall for cross-Channel freight parking in Kent, this will improve the daily experience of residents and visitors."

GSE Group, which also manages the Ashford International Truckshop, is proposing to build a park to serve freight lorries passing through the Port of Dover

The Port of Dover handles more than two million HGVs annually, according to its latest report.

GSE says the lorry park could provide parking for about "10% of the port's daily traffic within five miles of boarding the ferries".

Mr Healey added: "By providing secure parking and better welfare facilities for drivers, we would be tackling HGV-related crime in Kent and anti-social illegal overnight parking."

The lorry park aims to reduce disruption from queuing lorries

GSE said the scheme could create 100 new jobs for the area, as the park would include a restaurant, shop, gym, shower and toilets.

Doug Bannister, chief executive officer for the Port of Dover, said: "We welcome GSE's plans to significantly increase the number of secure HGV parking spaces so close to the port.

"Our freight customers have told us the proximity of parking to the port is crucial to their operations and wellbeing of their drivers."

GSE says the proposal will be open for public consultation in December before a planning application is submitted to Dover District Council.