Noise and congestion concern over new M1 service station plan

Residents raised concerns about noise and congestion at an early exhibition of plans for a service station on the M1 near Sheffield.
Mike Conway of Applegreen explains the plans for a new motorway service station at junction 33 of the M1 at Catcliffe.Mike Conway of Applegreen explains the plans for a new motorway service station at junction 33 of the M1 at Catcliffe.
Mike Conway of Applegreen explains the plans for a new motorway service station at junction 33 of the M1 at Catcliffe.

Applegreen PLC put its proposals for the petrol station and rest stop by junction 33 at Catcliffe on display for the first time on Monday and Tuesday.

People were invited to see the early designs and share their thoughts at a consultation event at The Thirsty Flame in Brinsworth.

David and Beverly Morris look at the plans.David and Beverly Morris look at the plans.
David and Beverly Morris look at the plans.
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The firm aims to submit a planning application in the summer - although that could depend on whether or not Sheffield Council approves Extra Motorway Service Area Group's proposal for a service station at junction 35.

A decision on that plan was due to be made on Tuesday, but the meeting was cancelled and a new date has not yet been set.

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Brinsworth and Catcliffe councillor Adam Carter.Brinsworth and Catcliffe councillor Adam Carter.
Brinsworth and Catcliffe councillor Adam Carter.

Among those at this week's consultation events were David and Beverly Morris. They live in Willow Close, Catcliffe, just a few hundred metres away from where Applegreen wants to build.

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Beverly, 60, said: "Our main concern was noise - and that's still the case.

"They say there are trees and baffles to stop it, but the trees lose their leaves."

Junction 33 of the M1.Junction 33 of the M1.
Junction 33 of the M1.

The couple also said they were not sure about Applegreen's claim the stretch of motorway did not meet Government safety requirements for a rest area every 28 miles.

"We have been here 32 years and the noise from the M1 is getting more and more," said David.

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Kerry Hudd, 36, who also lives near the site, said it was too close to residents.

"I'm worried about noise and I think there's only so much you can do to avoid that," she added.

David and Beverly Morris look at the plans.David and Beverly Morris look at the plans.
David and Beverly Morris look at the plans.

"I think it will make it more congested because there's more traffic coming into the area.

"We've got Ikea opening and that's already going to make an impact."

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Colin Taylor, 61, of East Bawtry Road, Whiston, said he didn't see the need for a service station at junction 33 or 35.

"Where I live we are surrounded by the M18 and the M1, and all the pollution they churn out, and this will make things worse," he said.

And Brinsworth and Catcliffe ward councillor Adam Carter said: "With HS2 we have seen that Rotherham Council is quite happy to bring development and put our children's lives at risk by increasing air pollution from increased traffic flow."

For more on the plans visit www.applegreenrotherham.info.

Brinsworth and Catcliffe councillor Adam Carter.Brinsworth and Catcliffe councillor Adam Carter.
Brinsworth and Catcliffe councillor Adam Carter.

A Sheffield Council spokesman said: "We are considering the potential implications of the junction 33 pre-application and haven’t announced a new date for the Smithy Wood meeting yet.”

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