Plans for a new petrol station on protected land on the outskirts of Skipton have been thrown out by councillors.
Craven District Council planners had recommended approval for the site next to the Gargrave Road roundabout on the A59 after saying there were “exceptional” circumstances to allow the development to go ahead.
They claimed that a new mini-roundabout included in the proposals meant the site would support local transport infrastructure.
However, councillors argued the plans failed to meet a requirement of the council’s own policies which states that any development of land designated as local green space must “preserve the open character” of the area.
There were also complaints that the petrol station would only add to traffic problems on Gargrave Road where mile-long queues have been reported by residents.
Ward councillor David Noland told a meeting on Monday that he was “baffled” as to why the proposals had been made for protected land and that the area had already become “dangerously congested”.
“If this application is allowed, which green space is the next target?” councillor Noland said.
Traffic was a key concern raised by residents who feared that building a third roundabout in the space of around 300 metres on Gargrave Road would make the area unsafe.
There were further questions over the need and viability of the development after a petrol station located at what is now Keelham Farm Shop opposite the site was forced to close around 10 years ago.
But James Cox, an agent for the developers Brookfield Property Partners, argued there was now an unmet demand from motorists.
He told Monday’s meeting: “We have demonstrated how there is a clear absence of roadside services provision on this particular stretch of the road.
“Being located on the junction of the A65 and A59, there are no other sites available in Skipton which have a comparable position on the strategic road network.
“The only fuelling facilities currently available are provided by the two existing supermarkets.
“And in the absence of competition, the cost of petrol and diesel is stubbornly high in Skipton when compared to nearby towns.”
The refused plans included eight filling pumps, three electric charging points and a servicing area as well as retail space. Around 10 full time and 12 part time jobs would have also been created, according to the developers.
