Battle lines drawn over M-way plans
KIRBY HILL: A battle has begun over new plans for what has been dubbed ‘Britain’s most controversial’ motorway services in North Yorkshire.
Villagers in Kirby Hill, near Boroughbridge, have fought off three previous applications to build a service station on land adjacent to the A1(M), taking the case to the highest level.
A BATTLE has begun over what has been dubbed ‘Britain’s most controversial’ motorway services as new plans are prepared for a site in rural North Yorkshire.
Villagers in Kirby Hill, near Boroughbridge, have fought off three previous applications to build a service station on land adjacent to the A1(M), taking the case to the highest level.
Now, as they prepare for a fourth “David vs Goliath” battle over the site, they say they are determined to fight against the plans with all their strength.
“This has been going on for 20 years,” said Gareth Owens, chairman of the Kirby Hill Residents Against Motorway Services (RAMS).
“It’s a huge battle for the local community – a David and Goliath battle – butone which is currently three-nil to us.
“We’re ready for a fight. It’s just a pity that we have to go through it again.”
Applegreen plc has revealed plans to build a new Motorway Service Area (MSA) on 17 hectares of agricultural land, creating around 300 full-time jobs, the applicants say, as well as 200 construction posts. A service station here would fill an overly-long gap between Wetherby Services and Leeming Bar, in line with Government guidance, they add.
But campaigners argue they are concerned about the proximity to the village as well as the impact on this rural community.
“There’s a deeply held objection to just dumping a motorway service station on this beautiful landscape, just 600 yards from the village,” Mr Owens said. “It would impact on the character of the community. Villagers are absolutely determined to oppose this. We’ve done this three times before – we know what it takes.”
Around 250 of the village’s 400 residents attended a consultation event about the plans at the end of April, with villagers told a planning application is set to be submitted by summer.
Previous applications have all been refused amid concerns about the impact, Mr Owens said, calling for Applegreen to withdraw their proposals.
“At the highest level, it’s been deemed unsuitable,” he added. “Our concerns are vindicated. Why do we have to go through this again?”
Eugene Moore, development director for Applegreen, said full assessments over the potential impact would be carried out ahead of any application.
“MSAs perform an important road safety function by providing opportunities for motorists to stop and take a break in the course of their journey,” he said.
“We’re aware there have been previous applications of this type for sites near to the one we’re now proposing. However, the way in which the need for motorway service areas is assessed has changed since the last proposal at Kirby Hill was determined in 2012. We therefore believe our proposals meet a genuine need in terms of the safety and comfort of motorists using this part of the A1(M).”
We’re ready for a fight. It’s just a pity that we have to go through it again. Gareth Owens, chairman of the Kirby Hill Residents Against Motorway Services.