Subscribe to trusted local news
In a time of both misinformation and too much information, quality journalism is more crucial than ever. By subscribing, you can help us get the story right.
- Subscription costs less than £1 a week with an annual plan.
Already a subscriber? Log in here.
16
May 2023
Residents object to latest Kirby Hill service station plans
Residents in Kirby Hill have objected to latest plans for a motorway service station near to the village.
Applegreen Ltd has submitted amended plans for the scheme between junctions 48 and 49 of the A1(M) northbound, between Boroughbridge and Ripon.
It would see a Welcome Break built at the site, as well a filling station and 364 car parking spaces created.
The proposal already has outline permission after the government’s Planning Inspectorate approved the plan on appeal in April 2021.
However, the Dublin-based company has applied for amendments to the plan, including an extension to the length of the slip roads and increasing the permissible height of the eastern dumbbell roundabout by up to 1.25 metres.
In documents submitted to the council, Applegreen said the changes were “limited design amendments”.
It said:
The site plan for the service station at Kirby Hill.
However, residents in Kirby Hill have argued that the changes are not minor and called on North Yorkshire Council to refuse the application.
Gareth Owens, of Kirby Hill Residents Against Motorway Services, said:
Read more:
Government approves A1 service station after fourth appeal in 25 years
- Harrogate council paid £45,000 in Kirby Hill and Ripon service station legal fees
The Stray Ferret approached Applegreen for a response to residents' concerns, but had not received a reply by the time of publication.
North Yorkshire Council will make a decision on the proposal at a later date.
The move comes as the government approved plans for the service station after a series of public inquiries and planning battles.
In a saga which has spanned a quarter of a century, Applegreen’s application has been before multiple council planning committees, faced four public inquiries and been turned down twice by the Secretary of State and the High Court.
The inquiry, which was held by planning inspector David Rose and streamed onto YouTube, lasted two weeks and included multiple testimonies from residents, campaigners and developer Applegreen.
In a decision notice, Mr Rose said after considering the evidence that the benefits of a service station would outweigh the harm.
0