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The third Public Inquiry finished in February 2011. You can read Kirby Hill RAMS closing submission on behalf of the local community by clicking here. The Inspector must now write his report and the Secretary of State (Rt. Hon. Eric Pickles, MP) must consider it and issue his decision. Currently his decision is expected no earlier than 22nd February 2012, but this could change. Kirby Hill RAMS have mounted a highly effective campaign which goes from strength to strength. We will not give up the fight.

Background

Despite their resounding defeat at two Public Inquiries and the refusal of their new planning application in 2009, the Developers appealed and went for another Public Inquiry to try and gain permission to build a massive Motorway Service Area at Kirby Hill. There have been some changes in Government regulations on MSAs since the 2003 Public Inquiry at which we defeated the previous proposals. Clearly, the Applicant believed that these were significant enough to warrant having another go. A public exhibition of the new plans took place in Boroughbridge Library during August and September 2008. If you missed it, you can view them online now by clicking here.

Kirby Hill RAMS re-formed and took up their NO SERVICES HERE campaign once again. There is widespread opposition to the scheme. The proposed site is the size of 32 football pitches and would dominate the landscape from the Ripon Road roundabout north to Dishforth Airfield and for 500 yards east and west of the A1(M). Objections raised include:

- There is no need for an MSA at this location (especially now Wetherby MSA is open)

- There are existing services at Leeming Bar that the owner wants to upgrade to an MSA

- It involves the destruction of a unique, open, large-scale, agricultural landscape

- Loss of village identity - the site is larger than Kirby Hill and just 500 yards from it!

- Loss of significant amounts of agricultural land

- 24-hour noise, air, litter and light pollution from the MSA

- Increased crime in Kirby Hill

- Adverse impact on the character and setting of historic buildings (Skelton Windmill and Kirby Hill Church)

- Risk of an accident involving aircraft from Dishforth which regularly overfly the site

- Risk of increased road accidents on the A1(M) at Kirby Hill

- Negative impact on the Boroughbridge economy, taking trade from local businesses

- Insufficient water and drainage facilities at the site

- Increased urbanisation of our beautiful rural village

- Adverse impact on residential amenity and quality of life

We have demonstrated in the past that an articulate, well motivated and involved community can successfully defeat inappropriate major development. However it takes a lot of hard work and commitment. Kirby Hill RAMS value your support. If you would like to get involved, please e-mail us.