Victory for drivers as Kent truck stop block overturned

The Planning Inspectorate has overturned a Kent authority’s decision to block plans for a major lorry park in Kent, offering up to 200 lorry parking spaces, the RHA revealed in February.

The association is hailing the decision as an industry victory, after it backed an appeal against Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council’s move to halt the development on the M26 in Wrotham, near Sevenoaks.

Service station operator Moto successfully appealed the decision and has now been granted outline planning permission for construction of a secure 24-hour truck stop facility which will also feature a fuel station and an amenity building.

RHA said the decision is a win for its campaign for more safe and secure parking for truck drivers, and comes as the government changes planning rules to support more commercial and residential development.

Ashton Cull, RHA senior public affairs lead, said: “We’re delighted the Planning Inspectorate has upheld Moto’s appeal, which will mean more lorry drivers travelling in Kent should have access to more safe and secure parking and the peace of mind that comes with it.

“But there’s much more work to do. There’s still a shortage of 11,000 spaces across the country, with 1000 needed in Kent alone. With reports of truckers parked in unsecure areas being targeted for their fuel and cargo on the rise, we need to see more applications getting approved faster.”