A controversial Leicestershire truck park must close next month, the Planning Inspectorate has ruled. Concerns had been raised about pedestrian safety and access surrounding Bardon Truck Park, but the owner says a "solution" to the issues is being worked on.
Bardon Truck Park, which sits on the site of the former Stardust nightclub, near Coalville, is next to the family-friendly pub The Charnwood Arms. Concerns about the park's access from the pub car park had been raised, with some fearing a pedestrian could be injured outside the truck park, while some believed that a HGV rejoining the adjoining Beveridge Lane could cause a crash.
The truck park opened during the pandemic, when the pub was shut for several months, and was given temporary permission to exist. It was supposed to close in June 2023, but it kept operating and its director, Brett Parker, tried to get permanent planning permission. After that was rejected, he launched an appeal to the Planning Inspectorate. However, the appeal failed, and the park now must cease operating no later than Thursday, March 6.
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In a post on Facebook, Mr Parker said work on a "solution" to the future of the park was being worked on. He also gave his thanks to drivers who had supported his bid to keep the park open.
He said: "Firstly I must express my heartfelt appreciation again to all of you that have shown your fantastic support to me and my team at Bardon Truck Park. This morning, I met with Councillor Keith Merrie in a productive face-to-face meeting which lasted for some time (over a couple of cups of tea at least). He now for certain understands our point of view regarding the closure of this site and the detrimental impact this has on our industry as a whole.
"He is now working with us - so between my team, his team, and national bodies we are all currently liaising for a solution to the problem. And I hope to have some further good news as quick as possible."
The planning inspectorate's decision was welcomed by North West Leicestershire District Council, who fought against Mr Parker's appeal. Councillor Tony Saffell, planning spokesman at the council, said: “I’m very pleased that the Planning Inspectorate has upheld the council’s position.
"The fact is that the truck park, accessed by HGVs via the same narrow entrance as the Charnwood Arms car park, was a danger to pedestrians and to traffic crossing the nearby junction. We also know that there have been many occasions where HGV drivers leaving the site have made illegal right turns onto Beveridge Lane, dangerously crossing the eastbound carriageways.
"As the Planning Inspectorate concluded, it was only a matter of time before this led to a potentially fatal incident. I’m glad that the risk caused by HGV parking at the site will no longer be an issue.”
The Road Haulage Association is urging the local politicians to find an alternative location as soon as possible. In a statement, it said: "We’re calling on officials in Leicestershire to help secure new driver facilities as a truck stop is set to close.
"Bardon Truck Park has been ordered to shut down in weeks amid safety concerns for people using a nearby pub. The site was granted a temporary permission during the Covid-19 pandemic when the pub was closed, but now customers have returned the current entrance was found to be unsafe.
"Without an alternative access route the site can no longer operate. As an association, we’re urging the local council and MP to quickly help facilitate alternative safe and secure facilities for lorry drivers operating in the area."
