TRUCKERS going to and from Britain's biggest container port look set to get a massive new overnight parking stop.The venture – which would provide parking for 228 heavy goods vehicles – will be built on the site of a former petrol filling station if it gets planning permission.
By RICHARD CORNWELL,
Felixstowe editor
richard.cornwell@eveningstar.co.uk
TRUCKERS going to and from Britain's biggest container port look set to get a massive new overnight parking stop.
The venture – which would provide parking for 228 heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) – will be built on the site of a former petrol filling station if it gets planning permission.
It will also include a café, showers, toilets and rest facilities for the drivers, some of whom will have travelled hundreds of miles, and will prevent parking in laybys and other areas.
Two million lorries visit Felixstowe port every year and large numbers of drivers, because of tachograph restrictions on driving time, have to rest up in the area.
Councillors identified the need for more off-road parking for HGVs many years ago but finding suitable sites has proved difficult.
The proposed lorry park – which will be decided by Suffolk Coastal's development control sub committee on – would be built on land owned by pig farmers, AE Rout and Son, at Nacton.
The site is next to the A14 just past the Ransomes Europark on the Felixstowe-bound carriageway and was previously a petrol filling station. Part of the site is home to a McDonald's restaurant, which will remain.
Villagers in the area have not raised any objections to the scheme, but have raised a number of concerns, including possible noise from refrigerated cargoes, skyglow from security lighting, and the short access slip road to the site.
There is also concern that drivers who have already left Felixstowe port and use the site will need to travel back to the Seven Hills interchange to turn round and continue their westbound journey – making the roundabout more congested.
Planning officials are recommending the go-ahead for the project and say the site seems suitable. An earth embankment to be planted with trees and shrubs will be constructed to screen the lorries and improve the landscape.
WEBLINK
www.suffolkcoastal.gov.uk
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