Service station 'not wanted or needed' - council

The scheme was proposed for land to the east of York Road, Barlby

Plans for a 24-hour service station near Selby have been rejected due to strong objection from residents.

The proposed development, at the junction of the A19 and A163 in York Road, Barlby, was described as "not wanted and not needed" during a meeting on Thursday, with concerns that it would cause "significant harm" to the area.

The plans, by Valli Forecourts Ltd, included a petrol station, car wash, shop and electric vehicle chargers.

The applicant's agent argued that the site was an ideal location for the service station and would not have a detrimental impact on local residents.

Members of North Yorkshire Council's Selby and Ainsty area planning committee voted against the scheme, despite council officers recommending it for approval.

Councillor Stephanie Duckett, who represents the Barlby and Riccall division, said the development was "not wanted and not needed", adding that there were already other services nearby.

'Adverse impact'

She said: "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, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

One resident told councillors the benefits of the development would be "minimal, if any".

He said: "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 impacts to your residents, the highways and the landscape are significant, adverse and long-term."

Councillor Bob Packham, who represents the Sherburn in Elmet division, said the scheme was in conflict with several planning policies and was "inadequately screened" from nearby houses.

Committee chair, John Cattanach, member for the Cawood and Escrick division, said he would would now work with officers to agree on the formal reasons for rejecting the application.

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