Parish councillors say a former quarry near their village is not a suitable site for a new A1(M) motorway service area (MSA).
Catterick Parish Council has lodged an objection to plans for an MSA at Junction 52 of the motorway, arguing that while there is national policy support for new roadside facilities, the proposed location is simply the wrong place for the development.
In a 17-page submission to North Yorkshire Council, the parish council stresses that it is not opposed to motorway service areas in principle and recognises the importance of facilities for driver welfare, HGV parking and electric vehicle charging.
Instead, councillors argue the planning decision should focus on whether the 11.27-hectare site at Pallett Hill Farm is suitable.
The submission states: “The issue is not opposition to EV charging, driver welfare, HGV rest provision or strategic road infrastructure in principle.
“The issue is whether this particular countryside site is an acceptable location for a 24-hour, illuminated, vehicle-intensive commercial destination.”
The parish council says national planning policy supporting additional motorway service areas should not automatically lead to approval of every proposal.
Instead, it argues planning committee members should weigh the specific harm that could result from developing this site against the wider strategic need.
Among its concerns are the site’s location within flood zones, the loss of part of the Pallett Hill Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC), increased lighting and noise from a 24-hour operation, potential impacts on water quality and the conversion of open countryside into a large commercial development.
The parish council also questions whether a new motorway service area is needed at Junction 52 given existing and planned facilities at Scotch Corner, Barton and Leeming and elsewhere on the route.
Councillors argue the planning committee should consider whether improvements to existing facilities or alternative locations could meet future demand with less environmental impact.
The council concludes that the debate should not be framed as being for or against motorway service areas, but whether this particular proposal represents the most appropriate location.
It is urging North Yorkshire Council to refuse planning permission.
However, if councillors are not minded to reject the application, the parish council wants the decision deferred pending further independent work on flood risk, drainage, ecology, lighting, noise and the cumulative need for additional motorway services in the area.
Roadchef has submitted a revised application for the MSA after North Yorkshire Council’s original decision to grant planning permission was quashed by the High Court.
The ruling came after a challenge from rival operator Moto, which runs the Scotch Corner and Barton services, which was based on the council’s handling of the site’s flood risk assessments.
The plans include shops, restaurants, a tourist information centre and a 100-bedroom hotel.
A drive-thru Costa, McDonald’s restaurant, filling station, lorry park, electric vehicle charging facilities and amenity lake are also proposed.
