RESIDENTS living near the former Shearings Coach depot at Appleton Thorn, Warrington have received a letter from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) setting out their controversial proposals for an inland border facility in the run-up to Brexit.
They are being invited to comment on the proposals during a 14-day period ending on Friday, October 30.
Warrington Borough Council and local Liberal Democrats have already complained bitterly about the lack of consultation over the scheme.
The facility is part of the government’s preparations for the end of the EU exit transition period.
HMRC say the site has been chosen because of its close proximity to the M6/M56 motorway interchange, which provides access to the regional motorway network connecting to ports such as Liverpool and Heysham.
The plans are for the site to act as an office for starting and ending transit movements of goods in and out of the UK. It will include parking areas for HGVs and other vehicles as well as security measures and facilities to enable the checking of vehicles and goods entering and exiting the site.
After entering the site, HGVs will visit a checkpoint before being directed to a vacant space where they will undertake customs and transit checks as required. Checks will include paperwork inspection, as well as inspection of goods and consignments, where necessary.
HMRC expect the site to be needed for up to two years. They will look to use the site from January with an initial capacity for 69 HGV spaces. Approval for the site would be sought under the requirements of a Special Development Order (SDO).
They want the views of residents and local organisations to help in assessing capacity requirements at the site and will continue to monitor this against site requirements. If increased capacity is required at the site, then an updated approval would be sought under the requirements of an SDO.
Further details of the proposals including an information booklet for the site can be viewed on the website www.inlandborderfacilities.uk where feedback can be provided until October 30.
