PLANS to build a roadside services station with petrol pumps and electric vehicle charging on the outskirts of Skipton should include a mini-roundabout, says North Yorkshire highways.

Meanwhile, Skipton Civic Society has objected strongly to the proposal, describing it as 'wholly inappropriate'.

A application for the roadside services including a petrol filling station, electric vehicle charging and retail kiosk on land between the A59 and Gargrave Road, close to the A65/A59 roundabout, is awaiting decision after being submitted to Craven District Council planning in September, last year.

Included in the application by Brookfield Property Holdings, a Yorkshire based developer and 'operator of high quality and modern roadside service facilities' is a car wash, parking, a service area and new access.

In a covering letter to the council, Brookfield's planning and development consultancy, Lichfields, says: "The propose facility will address a very clear gap in the absence of a roadside facility along the A65/A59 from Ilkley to Harrogate to the east, and Ingleton to the west."

If approved, the scheme will feature eight pumps offering a 'range of services for the motorist including car cleaning and air and water facilities; solar panels on the forecourt canopy and electric car charging, with three rapid charging points.

There will also be a small retail kiosk, customer toilets, an ATM and outside seating. Lichfields also proposes a mini-roundabout on Gargrave Road and believes the scheme will create up to 22 full and part time jobs.

In it submission to the council, North Yorkshire Highways, a statutory consultee, says conditions should be attached if the scheme is approved.

"Careful consideration has been given on how the proposed facility will impact on the highway network and its users. A new mini-roundabout has been discussed as the principle means of managing the traffic in a safe and controlled manner.

"The developer is advised that a contribution may be sought for highways infrastructure improvements via a 106 agreement also incorporating the traffic regulation order for the 30mph."

The highways authority therefore recommends a mini-roundabout on land 'between the A59 and Gargrave Road, east of the Gargrave roundabout, prior to occupation and use of the facility'.

Skipton Civic Society has objected to the scheme on the grounds of it being the development of protected green space and 'utterly inappropriate'.

"This land is very prominent and forms a green entrance to the town which is much valued by the local community and by the wildlife that lives there or which uses it.

"It is active travel that should be promoted, not more locations for sustaining current unsustainable fossil-fuel-based lifestyles.

"Keelham Farm Shop was formerly a filling station that was not commercially viable so it was closed and the site was converted. There is no evidence that a filling station here would work especially as fossil-fuelled cars are unsustainable and are on their way out. Demand for battery points if necessary can and no doubt will as demand rises be met at distributed sites already in use or not designated as green space."