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What’s happening?

Despite their resounding defeat at two Public Inquiries, the Developer's ARE preparing a new planning application for a massive Motorway Service Area at Kirby Hill and will submit their plans to Harrogate Borough Council in October 2008. 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 believes that these are significant enough to warrant having another go. A public exhibition of the new plans will take place in Boroughbridge Library from Tuesday 19th August to Tuesday 16th September, or you can view them online now by clicking here.

Kirby Hill RAMS have re-formed and taken up their NO SERVICES HERE campaign once again. The RAMS need your help. Initially, we are asking you to respond to the consultation phase and to the planning application by going to the public exhibition in Boroughbridge Library, filling in a response form and writing individual letters of objection. Click here for more information on how to do this.

Remember, 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 last time around included:

- There is no need for an MSA at this location (especially now Kirk Deighton MSA is being built)

- 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.