Exelby Services submits proposals for £5m Leeming truckstop

Diesel bunkering specialist Exelby Services has submitted planning proposals to open a £5m truckstop in Leeming Bar complete with 110 HGV parking spaces.

The firm owns five truckstops, but says its Londonderry-based site needs to relocate because the upgrading of the A1 to motorway status means the location will be hard to reach once the new highway opens.

"We have calculated approximately 75 secure lorry parking spaces will be lost between Dishforth and Leeming as a result of the road upgrade, which will be complete by 2012. We want to be up and running by that point to cater for drivers who will have a severe lack of options for parking," says Antonie Hoyle, sites manager for Exelby.

The proposed 15-acre site would comprise showers, shops, café, truck wash and fuel pumps. It will also be fitted with CCTV cameras and have security guards.

MD Michael Exelby adds: "The lorry park is urgently needed to help overcome a major shortage of suitable parking. This can lead to illegally parked lorries inconveniencing local residents and damaging roadside verges. I am confident a move to the new site will enable us to retain our position among the leading independent truckstop operators in the North."

Hambleton District Council is expected to announce its consideration of the proposals by the end of June.