An application to allow a truck stop that has provoked complaints of prostitution, drink-driving and fighting has been withdrawn.

And Shepway District Council is ready to slap down an enforcement notice of any lorries return to the land at Caesars Way, Folkestone.

Cllr Richard Pascoe told a development control meeting last night: “This application has caused a furore. I want this to stop dead so that residents can have a decent quality of life.”

The 24-hour stop, for 50 trucks, had been put in place without planning permission and also caused neighbours’ complaints of constant noise and vibration, pollution, and damage to roads and houses.
The applicant, listed only as a Mr N. Jogaila, put in a retrospective planning application, which council officers recommended should be refused.
But last night development control manager Lisette Patching revealed that the application had now been withdrawn and Mr Jogaila was moving the operation to a site in Dover.
Only one truck was seen left on the Folkestone site yesterday.

Councillors, at the Civic Centre in Folkestone, voted unanimously to prepare an enforcement notice to serve should any trucks remain on the site from now on. They agreed on a compliance period of just one month before legal action is taken.
The applicant, through agents, also issued a statement to the council apologising for the trouble cause.
It said: “We were originally informed that using the site as a lorry park was not a change of use.
“This is the first time my client has encountered the planning process and he acknowledges that through lack of experience mistakes have been made.
“He would like to take this opportunity to apologise for any inconvenience caused.”

Ward councillor John Collier said that the truck stop had existed at least since last July.
He said: “They have taken us for fools for a year. If residents see lorries there now they should contact me. I am desperately keen that this is brought to a halt.”
Shepway council received a total 32 letters and emails from neighbours objection to the application.
Some said the truck stop was encouraging prostitution in the area and that a number of truckers were drink-driving and fighting.
They added that the lorries were a traffic danger to children from local schools.