Nick Emmerson, Lib Dem PPC for York Outer

Local Liberal Democrats have raised concerns about plans to build a new service station and hotel on green belt land next to the A64. 

If approved, the plans would see a 50-bedroom lodge style hotel, petrol station and cafe constructed near the Hopgrove Roundabout. The site would have nearly 200 parking spaces plus four access and exit routes. A planning application has been submitted to City of York Council by the scheme’s agents, England & Lyle, and a decision could be made later this month. 

Nick Emmerson, Liberal Democrat Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for York Outer, commented: 

“It is vital that we protect York’s precious Green Belt and stop inappropriate development on our countryside. This is Green Belt land and the planning application admits that the development would impact upon the openness and character of the area. Under the National Planning Policy Framework, this land is rightly afforded a high degree of protection. In the coming weeks, I will be working with local residents and Lib Dem Councillors to ensure this point is recognised.” 

Cllr Keith Orrell, Liberal Democrat Councillor for Huntington & New Earswick, commented: 

“Local residents will be concerned about the loss of Green Belt land in this area and the impact such a large development will have on existing traffic issues. Not too long ago the Highways Agency spent millions of pounds on the area around the Hopgrove roundabout. This has improved traffic flows to an extent but certainly not resolved all the congestion issues so the area does not need anything that adds to congestion.”

NOTES:

Full details of the application can be found here: http://planningaccess.york.gov.uk/online-applications/ Reference: 13/00651/EIASN