News

Plans have been submitted to build a secure overnight lorry park in Thurrock that would create 130 spaces for HGVs. The application, submitted by Lanpro Services Limited to Thurrock Council, includes a new access road and facilities buildings on land opposite the A13 and Arterial Road in North Stifford, Essex.

No date has so far been confirmed as to when the council's planning committee will look at the proposals; the public consultation  on the plan is due to finish on 19 February.

Chrys Rampley, Road Haulage Association manager, infrastructure, environment and business affairs, says the park is necessary to help support the nearby ports of Tilbury and Shell Haven, which are currently undergoing development and expansion.

"We welcome these proposals for a lorry park in Thurrock, which are long overdue, but we hope this process does not drag on and end up going to a public inquiry," she adds.

Natalie Chapman, Freight Transport Association London policy manager, says: "This is an ideal location really. A secure truck park is desperately needed here and we would welcome it."

Meanwhile, another application has been submitted, via Pegasus Planning, for 75 extra HGV parking spaces and an amenity block at the Welcome  Break services at Corley, Warwickshire, on the northbound stretch of the M6. There are currently 60 HGV parking spaces at Corley.

The public consultation on the issue closed on 29 January and a spokesman for the council says there have been a number of objections from residents. It is likely to be three months before the application is considered by the local planning committee.