A statement regarding the approved development of a motorway service station at Junction 33

Following the decision today by Rotherham Council’s Planning Board to approve the development of a motorway service station at Junction 33 of the M1, Liz Ballard, Chief Executive of Sheffield & Rotherham Wildlife Trust said,

“Obviously, when we consider the current climate and ecological emergency that we are facing, it is disappointing to see land being used for more motorway infrastructure, including a motorway service station. We have always argued that there is no need for more motorway service stations along this stretch of the M1. However, if a motorway service station is to go ahead, we would ask that the developer, Applegreen, works with us to get the best possible outcome for our local wildlife and natural environment. We also hope that this will lead to the withdrawal of the planning application to build another motorway service station on Smithy Wood, a Local Wildlife Site and ancient woodland at junction 35. Clearly there is no need for any more service stations along this part of the M1.” 

For more background information about our Save Smithy Wood campaign see here.

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