Yorks A1(M) truckstop finally gets go ahead
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By Chris Tindall
A NORTH Yorkshire truckstop owner said he felt “vindicated” after a long-running planning inquiry ended with the secretary of state giving the green light to his relocation plans.
Michael Exelby said Exelby Services would now move closer to the upgraded A1(M), providing vital services for LGV drivers.
But construction work on the new site at Leeming Bar, which will include refuelling, fuel bunkering, a forecourt shop and overnight parking, can’t begin until spring 2013.
Communities and local government secretary Eric Pickles said the site “would meet a specialist need that was different in nature from the LGV offering at normal motorway service areas” .
He acknowledged that the A1 upgrade caused up to 255 LGV spaces to be lost, made inconvenient or bypassed, and contributed to significant numbers of lorries parking in lay-bys overnight.
“There’s more of a sense of relief than celebration,” Exelby said.
“I feel vindicated that what we have been saying all along is true: there’s a huge need for this type of facility.
“But it means truck drivers will probably have to wait another year for our site to be up and running. We have already lined up contractors, but now we have got so close to the end of the year it will probably have to wait until spring to start the development.” Pickles also granted planning permission for a motorway service area at Motel Leeming Services. Chrys Rampley, Road Haulage Association (RHA) manager for infrastructure, said: “The RHA has lent its support to Michael Exelby and has been working with him in his bid to build this new truckstop. I am delighted that the urgent need for such a facility has now been recognised. It’s been a long and difficult process, but we have got there in the end.”