According to Kent Online, Motis, who already operate a truck stop near Dover Port with over 300 secure parking spaces, has submitted an application for planning permission to build a lorry park as well as 6 commercial units as an extension to its business centre in Folkestone.
The extension would include a gym, nursery and cafe for staff, all of which would also be open to the general public, while the lorry park would also sport a two-storey drivers’ lounge with an amenity building.
A the local newspaper reports, “officers have recommended that members of the Folkestone and Hythe District Council planning and licensing committee reject the plans” at tonight’s meeting.
This is said to be on the grounds of worries over “whether the development will result in any ecologically significant nitrogen deposition” that would affect a “site of special scientific interest” near the facility. It was also noted that there is “insufficient evidence supplied to adequately establish that there is an overwhelming need for additional HGV parking” in the district.
The planning statement, on the other hand, says the lorry park and building extension would “deliver some very significant benefits to the local community” and make “a significant contribution to employment land supply through the provision of additional commercial floorspace.”
The planning committee shall consider the plans tonight at 7pm.