Villagers call Dover lorry park plans 'atrocious'

A developer has said the plans could boost the economy

Villagers campaigning against a 70-acre (28-hectare) lorry park to serve freight traffic passing through the port of Dover have called the plans "atrocious".

Developer GSE Group said the proposal for the Court Wood Interchange on the A20 - the final junction on the approach to Dover - could "boost the town's economy" and create 100 jobs.

GSE, which also operates the Ashford International Truckshop, said the lorry park could provide parking for about "10% of the port's daily traffic within five miles of boarding the ferries".

A public meeting to discuss the plans will be held at Hougham Village Hall on Tuesday evening.

Steve Oxenham, a campaigner and Hougham resident, said: "The problem is already in our back garden, this will just move it into our front garden.

"It's a 70-acre site, which would be bigger than West Hougham and Church Hougham combined.

"The light pollution will be 24/7. I haven't met anyone in the village so far who isn't up in arms about it."

'It's not needed'

Peter Robinson, who sits on Hougham Without Parish Council and is from the local action group against the lorry park, said: "It's atrocious, basically, it would destroy the local landscape.

"It would be about 400 metres from the village."

He added that people's quality of life would be impacted by 600 vehicles 365 days of the year and 24-hour lighting.

"The entrance would be off the A20, which is our main road between Dover and Folkestone and there's just no room whatsoever," Mr Robinson said.

"We're putting pressure on Dover District Council to reject the proposal.

"It's not needed."

The Port of Dover handles more than 2 million HGVs annually, according to its latest report.

GSE said the park would offer welfare facilities for HGV drivers, and reduce disruption.

The current proposal for the site includes a restaurant, shop, gym, shower and toilets.

A public consultation will take place in the village hall on 4 December between 11:00 and 20:00 GMT before a planning application is submitted to Dover District Council.