Boroughbridge motorway services plan faces fresh legal challenge

Boroughbridge motorway services plan faces fresh legal challenge

North Yorkshire Council is under renewed pressure after campaigners raised fresh legal concerns over plans for a motorway service area near Boroughbridge.

Kirby Hill Residents Against Motorway Services (RAMS) has formally challenged a new planning application linked to the proposed Vale of York services scheme, warning the council risks repeating past mistakes.

The group claims a Section 73 application — normally used to amend planning conditions — is being used to “rescue” the development amid doubts that the original outline planning permission may have already expired.

RAMS chair Gareth Owens said the move raises serious legal questions. Campaigners argue that if the original permission lapsed in April 2024, as they believe, the development can no longer proceed and the current application may be invalid.

The dispute centres on whether a key deadline was missed, potentially leaving the scheme without lawful planning consent.

North Yorkshire Council has rejected the claims and says it has taken external legal advice. However, RAMS has criticised a lack of transparency, arguing that neither councillors nor the public have seen the legal basis for the council’s position.

The row comes after the High Court ruling on Catterick motorway service area, which saw another council-approved service station blocked after being ruled unlawful.

The Boroughbridge scheme, backed by Welcome Break, would see a major roadside facility built near the A1(M), a move that has sparked strong local opposition.

A council spokesperson said the application remains under review and will be decided by the strategic planning committee, with all submissions considered before a final decision is made.

Campaigners are now calling for a formal report to be issued before any ruling, warning the authority could face further legal challenges if it presses ahead.