FIRST LOOK: Plans in for £40m service station off A1(M) at Doncaster

Moto Hospitality Limited has wants to build on land north east of junction 37, where the motorway joins the A635 south of Brodsworth.

The development would include a petrol station, a drive-through Costa Coffee and a rest stop including Greggs, M&S Simply Food, WH Smith, Burger King, an Arlo’s restaurant, a games centre and space for several other food and retail units.

All together there would be space for 562 cars, although 26 spaces would be set aside for staff.

The site is currently farmland.

Moto property director Mark Franks said: “This section of the A1(M) serves both traffic from the A1 and the M1 and forms a vital part of the motorway network. These proposals will provide an important rest stop for these major routes.

“As well as providing that much needed facility, our plans will bring many new jobs as well as helping to secure investment in the local economy. We are delighted to consult with the people of Doncaster and look forward to hearing their thoughts on the proposed new service area.”

According to the planning application, the service station would help meet ‘safety demands’ of A1(M) users which are ‘not presently well served’.

Moto says the plan represents an investment of over £40 million, providing 215 full time jobs.

The firm has held several consultation events on the plans, inviting members of the public to have their say on early designs both at Scawsby Community Centre and Frenchgate Shopping Centre.

According to the planning application, more than 360 people attended the two events, with 56 giving feedback.

Among the concerns raised were the protection of the environment, including native wildlife and woodland areas around the site, and the potential for increased traffic in the area.

The firm was also asked by Doncaster Council to close the lay-by on the A635 to prevent ‘ongoing’ problems such as spillages and the spot being used ‘inappropriately and for overnight parking’ and for ‘car sharing’.

These concerns were echoed by some members of the public, and the application says Moto will have ‘specific dialogue’ with the council on the lay-by issue.

It says off-site woodlands will be protected, and the service station includes an ‘attractive landscape setting designed to improve biodiversity and create pleasant views from within the site and to screen views from the surrounding countryside and motorway’.

Access would be from the A1(M) and the junction 37 roundabout.

People can comment on the plans by searching for application 17/00301/FULM on the Doncaster Council website.