Catterick Village wetlands ‘drained for motorway services’
The owners of the former quarry at Pallet Hill Farm, Catterick Village, say no drainage has taken place, with water levels rising and falling at different times of the year. But members of the Campaign to Save Catterick's Wildlife Habitat group, which was formed to fight Roadchef's plans to build an MSA on the site, believe that water has been removed. They have highlighted recent photos which show very little water on the land and other images which show the site practically underwater.
Although the earlier photos were taken at different times of the year, campaigners still believe the current water levels are artificially low. Dr John Ridley, a Catterick Village[1] resident and a member of the campaign group, said: "I have been increasingly aware of the importance of this wetland area, with its designated SINC status, following the first planning application from Roadchef. "The wetland area which is part of existing farm land, is particularly important for migratory birds and appears to have been drained.
"Sadly, this has resulted in the loss of the wetland area. I would like to think that it can be reinstated as soon as possible." 
"It's normal for water levels to rise and fall throughout the year," they added. Roadchef said it did not own the land. A spokesperson added: "Roadchef is not the landowner and has not instructed any activity at this site."
Permits are usually required to drain watercourses, with North Yorkshire Council responsible for land drainage consents in the county. 
Photo: Campaign to Save Catterick's Wildlife Habitat. The council's corporate director for community development, Nic Harne, said: "We are aware of the concerns that have been raised and are currently investigating the matter." Roadchef has submitted a revised application for the MSA after North Yorkshire Council's original decision to grant planning permission was quashed by the High Court.
The ruling came after a challenge from rival operator Moto, which runs the Scotch Corner[2] and Barton services, which was based on the council's handling of the site's flood risk assessments. 
Photo: Campaign to Save Catterick's Wildlife Habitat. A fresh consultation exercise is taking place for the proposed development on an 11-hectare former quarry. The plans include shops, restaurants, a tourist information centre and a 100-bedroom hotel.
A drive-thru Costa, McDonald's restaurant, filling station, lorry park, electric vehicle charging facilities and amenity lake are also proposed.
The original application was widely criticised by local residents with more than 700 people signing a petition against the scheme.
The revised application has also attracted considerable criticism.
References
- ^ Catterick Village (www.thenorthernecho.co.uk)
- ^ Scotch Corner (www.thenorthernecho.co.uk)