A GOVERNMENT planning inspector will hear arguments for and against a proposed new petrol filling station on the outskirts of Skipton.

The scheme for a roadside services facility, including rapid electric vehicle charging points, car washing facilities and a shop, next to the A65/A59 roundabout off Gargrave Road, was refused by Craven District Council in October last year.

Councillors, acting against officer recommendation to approve the plan, which included a new mini-roundabout on Gargrave Road, rejected it because of its impact on the local green space and on highways safety. It was also refused because applicant Brookfield Property (Holdings) Ltd had failed to come up with a biodiversity management plan or a retail impact statement.

Now, a hearing is due to take place on Tuesday, August 8 in Skipton at the council offices in Belle Vue Square after the applicant lodged an appeal with the planning inspectorate. Craven councillors and members of Stirton-with-Thorlby Parish Council are expected to be amongst those giving evidence.

Mid Craven North Yorkshire councillor Simon Myers said he was opposed to the facility because of its location at the attractive entrance to Skipton, because of its use of designated green space and because it would likely lead to more traffic build-up on Gargrave Road.

Cllr Myers said a better place would be at the under development Skipton South employment site instead of making the Gargrave Road area look like a ‘suburb of Birmingham’.

“We all know how traffic backs up at that roundabout and to put another roundabout on Gargrave Road within yards of it beggars belief,” he said.

Appellant Brookfield Property has stated that there is a shortage of roadside service facilities on the local road network and in Skipton generally. It has pointed out that the site, while designated local green space is not accessible to the public, that its development for a functional use will compliment neighbouring commercial development, such as Keelham Farm Shop and Travelodge, and it will create new jobs.

Councillor Andy Brown, who represents Aire Valley on North Yorkshire Council, said: “I am astonished that North Yorkshire Council informed the appeal that there was no problem about traffic in the approach of the Gargrave Road to the busy A65 and A59 roundabout.

“This goes directly against the decision of the Craven District Council planning committee that problems with traffic was one of the significant reasons for rejecting the application and against what anyone knows who has tried to get onto the roundabout from Gargrave Road during rush hour for school drop off.

“It remains a scandal that developers can appeal against planning decisions and submit slightly different schemes moments after they lose until they eventually win whereas ordinary residents are not allowed to appeal against decisions.”