The green light has been given for a new border centre in Kent.

Stuart Andrew, Levelling Up Minister, said that a Special Development Order for the White Cliffs HMRC border facility has now been granted.

This clears the way for its development off the Roman Road, behind B&Q in Whitfield.

Along with a sister port health facility in Dover, the government investment is expected to top £100million and secure more than 650 jobs for the area.

That site is close by at Bastion Point on Whitfield's White Cliffs Business Park and the two centres will work in conjunction with each other.

Dover and Deal MP Natalie Elphicke said: "The White Cliffs border facilities represent one of the largest government investments in our community.

"There has been a long process of consultation and work with the community since the plans were first announced in October 2020.

"It is absolutely right that time has been taken to make sure that the site meets high environmental, historic and community impact requirements and that the local community have been listened to, alongside securing the jobs and investment our community needs.

"The Levelling Up Minister has been rigorous in considering the planning application and I am pleased he has reached the decision to approve this important facility.

"Now we need to see this move full steam ahead to make the most of the jobs and opportunities created by this massive investment in Dover."

The government explains that since the UK left the European Union in 2020 additional customs and transit checks are needed for ports like Dover.

Where there is no space directly at seaports for this the government has provided new inland centres for these checks.

Bastion Point will be used by Dover Port Health Authority for food, plant and animal goods inspections, ensuring items coming into the country meet stringent UK requirements.