Update: The North Weald Inland Border Facility closed from 23.59 on 11 September 2022. Traffic should now use the Sevington or Holyhead Inland Border Facility sites.
Overview
This page provides an opportunity for interested individuals and organisations to view information about the North Weald Inland Border Facility.
The site acts as a location for starting and ending transit movements of goods from the UK. The site includes 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.
The submission relating to the Government’s proposals for the North Weald Inland Border Facility was approved by the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) in November 2020. As such, the site at North Weald Airfield is in use as an inland border facility as of 1 January 2021 for 24 months. The site is also subject to construction and operational management plans which have now been approved.
The decision notice relating to MHCLG’s approval of the SDO application is available to view here
The temporary approval for the use of the site as an inland border facility came to an end on 31 December 2022. Operations have ceased and the site handed back to the landlord following reinstatement works, in accordance with an approved reinstatement plan. Please see the link here
Contact us
If you have a specific concern, please contact us using the email below:
Construction Updates
News and updates for the local community regarding the North Weald Inland Border Facility are available to view below.
1st January 2020
The North Weald Inland Border facility is now operational, enabling the safe and efficient processing of customs paperwork relating to international freight movement.
The operations of the inland border facility will continue to be carefully managed in accordance with the requirements of the approved Operational Management Plan (OMP). This includes the ongoing monitoring of traffic flows and site usage in conjunction with the local highway authority and Highways England.
As part of ongoing traffic management, signage has been used on local and strategic road networks to enable HGV drivers and staff to navigate to the site. Signage on site also provides contact information for any possible issues.
Engagement from Government departments with key stakeholders is ongoing to ensure that they are kept informed regarding operations on site. Further information for hauliers and guidance on attending an Inland Border Facility is available, here
23rd October 2020
We wanted to let you know that we will be carrying out some minor enabling works at the site which do not require planning permission.
You may see some site set up works starting from 26th October, with construction works starting from 2 November 2020.
These preparations are important to ensure that the site can be ready for the 1st of January 2021 to help support readiness for the end of the transition period.
Inland border facilities form an essential part of our preparations to manage any potential disruption and ensure the free flow of goods in and out of the UK. They are subject to securing the necessary approvals under the new Special Development Order which came into force on the 24th of September 2020.
All works will be carefully carried out to minimise any potential impacts on local residents.
Construction and Operations
An Operational Management Plan (OMP) has been developed for the inland border facility. The OMP explains the tasks involved in safely managing and operating the site in a manner to reduce the potential for any adverse impacts on site or locally. It provides a framework of guidance to all site users and describes in detail the arrangements for delivering the intended services. A non-technical summary of the OMP can be viewed here
A Construction Management Plan (CMP) has been developed for the inland border facility. The CMP explains how construction works will be managed. It also ensures that possible impacts that may arise from the works have been appropriately identified and mitigated. The CMP for the inland border facility is available to view here
Inland border facility location
The site is located north of North Weald Basset village, near Epping.
Hauliers can reach the site by exiting the M11 at junction 7.
There is clear signage towards the site through the A414 (Canes Lane). At the roundabout, signs are in place to direct hauliers towards the site entrance before the roundabout at Merlin Way.
The site entrance is from Rayley Lane through a dedicated entrance (airfield Gate E). There is a 40mph speed limit on Merlin Way and Rayley Lane.
Traffic flow and access
Directing vehicles to the inland border facility
Most HGVs travelling to the site access the site from the north, exiting the M11 at junction 7 onto the A414.
HGVs travelling from south east England, central northern England, the East Midlands and the M40 corridor exit the M25 at junction 27 onto the M11, before exiting onto the A414 at junction 7.
From Hertfordshire, northern Essex and Suffolk
HGVs travelling from Hertfordshire travel to the site on the A10 before exiting onto the A414 north of Hoddesdon.
HGVs travelling from northern Essex and Suffolk access the site from the east, travelling to the site on the A12 then exiting onto the A414 south of Chelmsford.
Prominent road signage
Prominent road signage has been installed from and to the Dover ports that directs HGV drivers to the inland border facility.
There are signs outside the site entrance to advise hauliers about the use of site facilities and providing site contact details.
Entry and exit points at the site
There are separate entry and exit points to the site. Egress is from Merlin Way, approximately 150 metres south-west of the Rayley Lane / Vicarage Lane / Merlin Way roundabout, whilst access is from Rayley Lane, approximately halfway between this roundabout and the A414 Canes Lane / Rayley Lane roundabout.
Information for hauliers
Information for hauliers attending the North Weald Inland Border Facility is available to view here
Access & vehicle movement plan
Environment
As part of the proposals for the inland border facility, relevant bodies, including the Environment Agency, Natural England and Historic England have been engaged about the use of the site.
The inland border facility proposals are temporary and are designed to ensure no significant or long-term environmental effects.
Given the temporary nature of the inland border facilities, reinstatement plans have been prepared which can be implemented when any inland border facility activities cease.
As part of the SDO approval, a study of the likely environmental effects has been produced. This study has considered air quality, cultural heritage, landscape and visual effects, biodiversity, road drainage and water. Noise monitoring is currently being carried out to allow the noise levels generated by the site to be monitored and mitigated if necessary. The study has also considered geology and soils, material assets and waste, population and health, and climate.
Frequently asked questions
What is the role of the inland border facility?
The site acts as a location for starting and ending transit movements of goods to and from the UK. Each location includes parking areas for HGVs and other vehicles as well as security measures and facilities to enable the checking of vehicles entering and exiting the sites. There are also temporary office buildings, staff and driver welfare amenities.
Why this location? Why is a site needed in Essex when most of the traffic is headed for Kent?
North Weald Airfield is located within a short drive of junction 7 of the M11 which holds strategic importance as it offers north-south connectivity to London and the M25, Stansted Airport and Cambridge, and east-west connectivity via the A414 to Harlow and Chelmsford.
Will the operation of the site impact local communities?
The site is not located directly alongside residential properties. HGVs that access the site do not pass by residential properties.
What is the capacity of the site?
Operations on site require up to 53 HGV spaces.
How have the proposals changed when compared to the 2019 planning permission?
When compared to the 2019 planning permission, the proposals have evolved in a number of ways, including as follows:
- Provision of an inspection shed, to enable the on-site inspection of HGVs
- The entry and exit points to the site have been reversed. Egress is now be from Merlin Way, approximately 150 metres south-west of the Rayley Lane / Vicarage Lane / Merlin Way roundabout, with access from Rayley Lane, approximately halfway between this roundabout and the A414 Canes Lane
/ Rayley Lane roundabout - Additional driver welfare facilities, including air conditioned accommodation with seated waiting area, drinking facilities and toilet facilities
Will the site have an impact on air quality locally?
Air quality modelling has taken place which shows that the operation of the site will not adversely impact either the Epping Forest Special Area of Conservation (SAC) or Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
How many staff are expected on site?
Approximately 60 full time staff attend site in shift patterns and parking provisions and welfare facilities are provided for them onsite.
What type of vehicles are expected to use the inland border facility?
The inland border facility is used by HGVs, cars and vans, including staff vehicles.
Are refrigerated vehicles expected at the inland border facility?
Provision is available for refrigerated vehicles. No idling is permitted by refrigerated vehicles as engines of all stationary vehicles must be switched off while on site.
Will vehicles be inspected at the inland border facility?
There are inspection bays on site and the time required for each HGV check (excluding physical inspection) is a maximum of two hours. If a physical examination is required, an inspection may take up to eight hours.
Will goods be unloaded at the inland border facility?
There are examination facilities on site, and it is anticipated that some goods that are brought to the site will need a physical examination.
Will there be any hazardous materials brought on to the inland border facility?
An Operational Management Plan (OMP) has been developed for the inland border facility which sets out how the site will be managed and operated safely, including in relation to any hazardous materials.
What impact will the site have on the operation of the airfield?
The inland border facility only comprises a small part of the airfield located at its north eastern edge. As the inland border facility is located away from other operational uses on the airfield there will be no adverse impacts. Engagement is ongoing with the airfield’s management, and relevant stakeholders.