Our proposals
The project would give drivers using the A1(M) a safe and convenient place to stop. It would provide space for motorists, HGV drivers and coach operators to rest, use facilities, refuel or recharge. The proposals would also help meet the growing need for electric vehicle charging, with ultra-rapid HGV charging for quick stops and well-located charging bays that allow HGV drivers to top up while taking their required rest breaks.
Welcome Break is proposing a new motorway service area on an 11.1 hectare (27.5-acre) site next to Junction 37 of the A1(M). It would provide a modern, safe and convenient place for motorists, HGV drivers, coach operators and other road users to stop, rest, refuel and recharge.
For eHGV drivers, the site would include drive-thru ultra-rapid charging for shorter stops, without the need to reverse or uncouple a trailer. There would also be 10 dedicated eHGV charging spaces that drivers could use during longer rest breaks, with the potential to deliver more charging spaces as demand increases.
Drivers would enter and leave the service area through a new traffic-light controlled junction on Barnsley Road, close to the Junction 37 roundabout. A detailed traffic assessment submitted with the planning application would explain how the access would work and consider any potential effects on traffic in the local area.
Around half of the site would be set aside for landscaping and drainage infrastructure. The plans include new woodland planting to create a green buffer alongside the Long Plantation and Stane Hill Plantation Local Wildlife Sites, as well as wildflower grassland, ponds and other aquatic habitats. Further planting around the service area would help it fit into its surroundings. Overall, the scheme is expected to deliver a biodiversity net gain well above the required 10%, leaving wildlife habitats in a better condition than before.
The main building would include a wide range of food and drink options, shops, toilets and showers. There will be indoor and outdoor seating, dog walking and picnic areas, and an outdoor gym. There would also be a drive-thru coffee shop, fuel facilities for cars, vans and small commercial vehicles, and separate fuel facilities for HGVs and coaches.
The proposals include around 355 car parking spaces, together with spaces for around 70 HGVs, 14 coaches, 10 caravans and 16 motorcycles. Electric vehicle charging would be an important part of the scheme, with 44 ultra-rapid charging spaces for cars and vans and a further 18 spaces designed so they can become charging points in the future.
Contact us
You can get in touch with us here.