Councillors have rejected plans for a new 24-hour service station near Selby after hearing the local community’s concerns about the development.
Members of North Yorkshire Council’s Selby and Ainsty area planning committee voted to be minded to refuse the scheme, which included a fuel station, car wash, shop and electric vehicle chargers at the A19 and A163 junction, on York Road, Barlby.
The decision was taken despite council officers recommending that the development for an area of scrub land be approved.
Councillor Stephanie Duckett, who represents the Barlby and Riccall division, said the development was “not wanted and not needed”.
She added: “Driving a couple of miles one way or the other down the A19 to fill up, it’s not an onerous task for any driver.
“Previously, we’ve had two garages in Barlby and one in Riccall, all closed down due to lack of trade.
“Will it be local jobs? I doubt it. Our shop, a local shop, employs 20 local staff. There’s not enough trade to keep two shops going, so you will see redundancies.”
The meeting heard there had been more than 130 objections from local residents.
One resident told councillors the authority had been assessing the proposal for the last four years.
He added: “Throughout that time, residents, businesses, and technical consultees have repeatedly highlighted the significant harm arising from developing this compromised, open countryside site that is immediately adjacent to people’s homes.
“The benefits are minimal, if any. The impacts to your residents, the highways, and the landscape are significant, adverse, and long-term.”
The applicant’s agent argued that the site was an ideal location for the service station and it would not have a detrimental impact on local residents,
But the committee members agreed with the objectors.
Councillor Bob Packham, who represents the Sherburn in Elmet division, said the scheme was in conflict with several planning policies.
He added: “What concerns me is they’ve maximised the site to the point where the site’s rammed and as a result of that, it’s essentially inadequately screened (from nearby houses).”
Councillor Steve Shaw-Wright, who represents the Selby West division, said he had serious concerns about road safety on York Road and on the roundabout.
Committee chair Councillor John Cattanach, member for the Cawood and Escrick division, added: “There are lots of reasons why this service area, as far as I’m concerned, should not be built here. There isn’t just one reason.”
The committee chair will now work with officers to agree on the formal reasons for rejecting the application.
