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Ports welcome fast-track planning for Brexit

[ September 4, 2020   //   ]

The British Ports Association has welcomed a new Special Development Order for key council areas that will fast track the planning processes for Brexit-related border infrastructure at and around ports. However, it warns that there is still a lot to be done in a short time.

BPA chief executive, Richard Ballantyne called for “a swift roll-out of the government’s infrastructure ambitions so that our gateways to Europe are ready but there could also need to be some pragmatism needed. There is now a huge amount of government activity in this area, but the clock is certainly ticking.”

Sensible and measured implementation of the new border requirements could be essential the freight industry and further easements may be needed next year at the end of the transition period – but the discussion needs to be held at a high level, he added.

New physical and digital infrastructure could include inspection facilities and IT systems to carry out frontier controls that result from the UK’s departure from the Single Market and the Customs Union.

The Special Development Order 2020 covers 29 councils including Essex, Halton, Hampshire , Hull, Kent County Council, Liverpool, Medway, North East Lincolnshire,  North Lincolnshire, Portsmouth, Southampton, Suffolk  and Thurrock.

It grants temporary planning permission for development consisting of the use of land for the stationing and processing of vehicles (particularly goods vehicles) entering or leaving Great Britain, and the provision of associated temporary facilities and infrastructure. The development must end by 31 December 2025, and all reinstatement works must have been completed by 31 December 2026.

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