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Plans for lorry park close to Brenley Corner near Faversham ditched by council

11:53, 10 January 2020

updated: 12:25, 10 January 2020

Proposals for a lorry park close to Brenley Corner have been shelved.

Swale and Canterbury councils together began exploring the option of building a facility off the A2 near Faversham last year.

The lorry park would have catered for hundreds of HGVs
The lorry park would have catered for hundreds of HGVs

Authority bosses were considering a plot of land near Brenley Corner roundabout to address the “urgent and unmet” need for official HGV parking in east Kent.

If the plans had come to fruition, both councils would have been granted powers to clamp those who refused to move on from restricted zones, and the new site would have catered for hundreds of vehicles, offering toilet and eating facilities.

But now, Swale council’s cabinet have confirmed it will not continue with the venture after concerns were raised about improvements needed to Brenley Corner, which is “facing capacity issues”.

Its members have pledged, however, to maintain dialogue with Kent County Council and Highways England about addressing the issue in the borough as part of a wider strategy for Kent.

Cllr Monique Bonney raised concerns about plans. Picture: Swale council
Cllr Monique Bonney raised concerns about plans. Picture: Swale council

Meanwhile, Canterbury City Council spokesman Leo Whitlock says it will also continue to work with other authorities to “find a way forward that works for everyone”.

Cllr Monique Bonney, Swale cabinet member for economy and property, says issues at Brenley Corner need to be addressed in favour of a lorry park.

She said: “The local road network is already stretched and there is uncertainty over the proposed improvements to M2 junction 5.

“Despite lobbying from ourselves and KCC, there are still no plans to improve M2 junction 7 Brenley Corner, which is already operating at capacity.

“Until these issues are resolved, and a proper strategy is in place, we can’t support new lorry parks in the area.”

A parcel of land off the A2 was identified to become a lorry park by both councils last year - but the location was kept under wraps.

Read more: All the latest news from Faversham

Read more: All the latest news from Canterbury

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