PROPOSALS to redevelop a motorway service station at one of the region’s busiest junctions have been met with criticism, amid fears it could heavily impact on a nearby village.

The Euro Garages Limited application for Scotch Corner is seeking to redevelop the roadside services, replace a sales building and build a drive-through cafe.

Overall, the proposed associated sales building would provide an increase of about 229sq m from that of the existing sales building.

A spokesman for the firm said the proposed development would improved amenities for passengers travelling along the A1(M) and A66.

He added; “The proposal also represents further investment in the area which would provide for economic benefits in creating 25 new full-time equivalent jobs in a sustainable and accessible location.”

However, Middleton Tyas Parish Council said councillors “strongly object” to the proposals.

The authority said the village, part of which is just yards from the service area, already suffered from poor traffic flows at the services, which resulted in cars parking outside the area.

It added: “We believe there is no need for another restaurant at this site as there is currently a Burger King, Greggs, Costa, West Cornish Pasty and a Subway. Added to that there will be several restaurants at the new Scotch Corner Designer Village, which we feel will have a negative cumulative impact on Middleton Tyas village pub and shop.”

The parish council said the proposed site of the drive-through was a mound which served as a barrier between residents’ homes and the service area and the creation of more hand-standing would aggravate flooding issues.

It is believed Richmondshire District Council will consider the scheme early next year.