Scotch Corner bosses have responded after plans just minutes away were recently approved.

A site of pasture land near Catterick Village will see a 100-bed hotel and petrol station as part of a £57 million development headed by Roadchef.

The plans were recently approved by Richmondshire District Council despite numerous objections from residents and environmental agencies.

Residents and agencies have argued that the site is just several miles away from the Leeming Bar and Scotch Corner Motorway Rest Areas.

Yorkshire Wildlife Trust and Natural England also warned the £57m development would impact a nearby Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Read more: New motorway services unveiled for A1(M) - and it'll include a 100-bed hotel

Both have concluded there will be an overall loss of habitat at the site, and it could also impact on Swale Lakes Site of Special Scientific Interest and important bird populations.

The Northern Echo:

However, planning officers at Richmondshire District Council said the scheme would benefit the local economy.

Just a few miles away residents can find an existing Motorway Service Area at Scotch Corner owned by Moto.

Moto objected to the plans near Catterick, arguing that they already have a valid brownfield site alternative.

Moto have now also responded after plans for the site were recently approved.

The site bosses have issued a statement suggesting they will invest further in the existing site at Scotch Corner.

A spokesperson for Moto said: “Moto is committed to transforming the rest stop experience and continually invests in improving and developing its sites.”

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