New service station could be built on M6

Near junction of M1 and M6

A NEW service station will be built close to where the M6 meets the M1 in Leicestershire.

An application has been approaved to build the service station close to junction one of the M6, for Rugby, as well as a 100 room hotel.

It could be a real boost for commuters heading south on the M1, with Watford Gap services quite a distance from Catthorpe Interchange.

Rugby Borough Council has backed the plan to demolish a farm building to make way for the new development.

The hotel will be joined by a main building with 42,614 sq ft of internal space housing a restaurant, shops, tourist information and a games/leisure area.

There will also be a drive-thru coffee shop and a petrol station.

The application was approved by the council’s planning committee on Wednesday.

A document published ahead of the meeting said: “The fundamental nature of a motorway service area as an appropriate provision for the safety and wel- fare of road users on the motorway network is also given considerable weight.

“The lack of alternative locations along the M6 to accommodate this demand is also given significant weight. The substantial ranges of economic, social and environmental benefits are to be proportioned significant weight.”

Moto Hospitality, which was founded in 1962, has more than 43 locations across the country’s motorways and 5,000 employees across the UK.

A service area for the site was previously proposed 40 years ago.

Between junctions one and two in both directions there are in fact four ghost slips. which don’t lead anywhere.

The partially-constructed sliproads had been due to link to a new service area at Harborough Magna, half way between Corley Services and Watford Gap.

The idea was first proposed in 1975 but was shelved in 1980.

The sliproads used to have full road markings but these were removed and chevron signs put up because drivers were mistaking it for an exit.