Proposals to build a new service station on the A1M between Boroughbridge and Ripon have been approved by the government.

The plans at Kirby Hill have been given the green light by a planning inspector, following an inquiry earlier this year.

The service station has proved controversial and been the subject of 25 years of public inquiries and planning appeals.

This most recent decision comes after developers appealed against Harrogate Borough Council’s decision not to allow the plans, a government planning inspector has overturned that decision and says the service station can go ahead.

In his decision notice, planning inspector David Rose said ‘the wider public benefit’ in having a motorway service area for the safety and welfare of motorists ‘would outweigh the harm’ to the designated heritage assets and agricultural land.

Irish owned company Applegreen can now build the facility between junctions 48 and 49 on the northbound carriageway side.

It will feature a filling station along with hot and cold food outlets, as well as a drive-thru coffee shop.

But local campaigners, many of whom have fought the plans for years, are upset at the latest news…

https://www.facebook.com/kirbyhillvillage/posts/1325320531182402

 

Read more local stories from Your Harrogate here