PROPOSALS to build a new motorway service station on the A1(M) in North Yorkshire have been met with a wall of resistance from nearby residents.

Petrol forecourt retailer Applegreen is proposing to create a new motorway service area (MSA) between junctions 48 and 49 on the A1(M) at Kirby Hill near Boroughbridge in North Yorkshire.

It would be built off the northbound side of the motorway with a new bridge over the A1(M) for southbound traffic.

In addition to a main facilities building, the proposals include a 365 space carpark with an additional 82 parking bays for HGVs, as well as a play area and dog exercise zone.

But residents living in near the proposed site have set up a campaign group, Kirby Hill Residents Against Motorway Services (RAMS).

They say more than 250 objectors attended a public consultation held by Applegreen at The Crown Hotel in Boroughbridge.

Kirby Hill and District Parish Council also recently voted unanimously to object to the proposals for the motorway service area.

Chairman of Kirby Hill RAMS, Gareth Owens, said: “With a new MSA at Wetherby and permission for the existing Leeming Bar Services to be upgraded to MSA status, there is absolutely no need for another at Kirby Hill. Applegreen accepts that there would be adverse environmental impacts, but if there is no need for an MSA, then there is no justification for causing any harm.

“This isn’t just our view: plans for an MSA at Kirby Hill have been thrown out three times in the last 20 years.”

On a website outlining its proposals, Applegreen stated government guidelines on assessing the need for MSAs in England were revised in 2012 and recommend that distances between motorway services should be no more than 28 miles, or 30 minutes driving time, but can be less depending on highway safety and design standards.

The company stated: “The position in respect of assessing the need for MSAs in England has changed since the last proposal for a facility at Kirby Hill was determined in 2012.”

Applegreen will be consulting on its proposals until Friday, June 9, before final plans are submitted to Harrogate Borough Council. To find out more about the plans visit; applegreena1m.info.