Sir, – The proposal to construct a large motorway service station on the A1, which has been under discussion for several years, has finally been rejected by the inspector after a public inquiry.
On behalf of the Friends and residents of Norton Conyers, Wath, Melmerby, East Tanfield and Thornborough, I would say we are profoundly grateful that 40 acres of prime agricultural land at Baldersby and Ripon have been saved from an exceptionally crass development.
Common sense has prevailed. The existing motorway service station at Leeming Bar, a brownfield site, will now be enlarged. The intended lorry park will be sited at Exelby. At the hearing, the inspector’s attention was drawn to the fact that food prices are certain to rise dramatically in the next few years and it is vital to preserve agricultural land for agricultural use.
Threats to our beautiful countryside are, it seems, ever present. Although Greyfriars’ expansion plans at Wath were turned down by the inspector last year, this firm has done nothing to reduce the unacceptably high number of its HGVs which obstruct our country roads, and endanger everyone who uses them.
Now we are faced with another threat, the proposed wind farms on our doorstep.
Lady GRAHAM
Norton Conyers, Wath, Nr Ripon.
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