A temporary ‘HGV Brexit checkpoint’ set to be built at North Weald Airfield is ‘no longer needed for the time being’.

A letter from HMRC has been sent to residents close to the airfield site explaining the decision following the UK officially leaving the EU on Friday, January 31.

On 5 September, 2019, the Minister of State for Housing granted planning permission through a Special Development Order (SDO) for the use of land on Rayley Lane.

Plans had been set out to use the area for stationing, and processing vehicles and siting of temporary facilities, services, structures and infrastructure.

North Weald Bassett Parish Council was promised to receive £50,000 from the Government regardless of whether the UK left the EU with or without a deal.

Should the decision be changed to use the land as a checkpoint, the temporary permission deal expires on December 31, 2020.

The following letter issued by Tim Lai, director of borders design to delivery directorate, reads: “Dear resident or occupier,

“We are writing to update you on recent developments for the nearby North Weald Airfield site, which we had planned to use as a temporary customs clearance facility.

“You may be aware that a Special Development Order came into force on 9 September 2019 for the site, which granted temporary planning permission.

“We would have needed the facility if the United Kingdom had left the European Union without a deal.

“For more details, go to www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2019/1228/contents/made.

“The site was due to be operational from 31 January 2020. However, we now know we will leave the EU on 31 January under the terms of the Withdrawal Agreement.

“Consequently, the site is no longer needed for now, we will secure the premises whilst we review our requirements in the context of the UK’s future partnership with the European Union and we will update you on our decisions in the coming months.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact HMRC by emailing bordersandinfrastructureteam@hmrc.gov.uk