Moto Hospitality Southbound, Bramley Lane, Bretton, Wakefield, WF4 4LQ
Wakefield Metropolitan District Council — appeal allowed
- Outcome
- Allowed
- Decision date
- 1 August 2025
- Authority
- Wakefield Metropolitan District Council
- Inspector
- Skelly C
- Procedure
- Written Representations
- Casework type
- Planning Appeal
- Type detail
- Planning Appeals - Full
- Development type
- Minor retail and services
- Appellant
- Moto Hospitality Limited
- LPA reference
- 23/02035/FUL
- ONS LPA code
- E08000036
- Jurisdiction
- Transferred
- Link status
- Lead
- Start date
- 28 October 2024
Summary AI
The appeal site is an area of tarmac within the southbound Motorway Services Area (MSA). The proposal seeks to erect a drive-thru restaurant unit with access, parking, landscaping, and other associated works. The inspector has concluded that the site meets the definition of grey belt land and that the development would not be inappropriate in the Green Belt.
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Moto Hospitality Southbound, Bramley Lane, Bretton, Wakefield, WF4 4LQ — Wakefield Metropolitan District Council — Appeal Decisions Site visit made on 11 February 2025 by C Skelly BA (Hons) MSc MA MRTPI an Inspector appointed by the Secretary of State Decision date: 1 August 2025 Appeal A: APP/X4725/W/24/3352035 Moto Hospitality Southbound, Bramley Lane, Bretton, Wakefield, WF4 4LQ • The appeal is made under section 78 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended) against a refusal to grant planning permission. • The appeal is made by Moto Hospitality Limited against the decision of Wakefield Metropolitan District Council. • The application Ref is 23/02035/FUL. • The development proposed is erection of a drive-thru restaurant unit with access, parking, landscaping and other associated works. Appeal B: APP/X4725/W/24/3357957 Moto Hospitality Southbound, Bramley Lane, Bretton, Wakefield, WF4 4LQ • The appeal is made under section 78 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended) against a refusal to grant planning permission. • The appeal is made by Moto Hospitality Limited against the decision of Wakefield Metropolitan District Council. • The application Ref is 24/01662/FUL. • The development proposed is erection of a drive-thru restaurant unit with access, parking, landscaping and other associated works.
Moto Hospitality Southbound, Bramley Lane, Bretton, Wakefield, WF4 4LQ — Wakefield Metropolitan District Council — Appeal Decisions This decision is issued in accordance with section 56 (2) of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 as amended and supersedes that issued on 16 June 2025. Decision Appeal A 1. The appeal is allowed and planning permission is granted for erection of a drive- thru restaurant unit with access, parking, landscaping and other associated works at Moto Hospitality Southbound, Bramley Lane, Bretton, Wakefield, WF4 4LQ in accordance with the terms of the application, Ref 23/02035/FUL, subject to the conditions in the attached schedule. Appeal B 2. The appeal is allowed and planning permission is granted for erection of a drive- thru restaurant unit with access, parking, landscaping and other associated works at Moto Hospitality Southbound, Bramley Lane, Bretton, Wakefield WF4 4LQ in accordance with the terms of the application, Ref 24/01662/FUL and subject to the conditions in the attached schedule https://www.gov.uk/planning-inspectorate
Moto Hospitality Southbound, Bramley Lane, Bretton, Wakefield, WF4 4LQ — Wakefield Metropolitan District Council — Appeal Decisions Appeal Decision APP/X4725/W/24/3352035, APP/X4725/W/24/3357957 Preliminary Matters 3. As set out above there are two appeals on this site. They differ only in the red line boundary. To avoid duplication, I have dealt with the two schemes together, except where otherwise indicated. 4. Concurrent appeals1 have also been submitted for a similar scheme on the northbound carriageway on a separate parcel of land. Whilst I am also the Inspector for these appeals, I have considered these proposals independently. 5. The revised National Planning Policy Framework (the Framework) was published in December 2024 and it was further updated in February 2025. Of particular relevance to this appeal, it introduced the concept of grey belt land. An update to the Green Belt chapter in the Planning Practice Guidance was published in February 2025. I have sought comments from both parties in this regard and this has informed my decision. Background and Main Issues 6. The reasons for refusal for the application relevant to appeal A (original application) were that the proposal constitutes inappropriate development which would have a harmful impact on the openness of the Green Belt.
Moto Hospitality Southbound, Bramley Lane, Bretton, Wakefield, WF4 4LQ — Wakefield Metropolitan District Council — Appeal Decisions Two further reasons for refusal related to the insufficient information relating to land stability and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG). 7. As part of Appeal A, a Phase II Ground Investigation Report2 and Small Sites Biodiversity Metric were submitted. As this additional information does not materially evolve the scheme and interested parties were consulted as part of the appeal, I am content to accept their submission for information purposes and am satisfied that no party with a potential interest in the outcome of the appeal is prejudiced by me doing so. 8. A revised application for the same proposal relevant to Appeal B sought to address the reasons for refusal relating to the original application. As part of this application the red line boundary was revised, to reduce the overall site area. 9. The Phase II Ground Investigation Report submitted both as part of Appeal A and the revised application confirmed that no coal mine workings were encountered as a result of the advancing of the boreholes and that the adits were also not located. On the basis of this report, the Coal Authority concluded that no further measures are required other than vigilance during construction and had no objection to the revised application.
Moto Hospitality Southbound, Bramley Lane, Bretton, Wakefield, WF4 4LQ — Wakefield Metropolitan District Council — Appeal Decisions As the site location for Appeals A and B are the same, I am therefore satisfied that the second reason for refusal relating to the objections from the Coal Authority are no longer relevant given the additional information in relation to mine entries and surface stability. The proposal thereby complies with policy LP69 of the Wakefield District Local Plan (2024) (LP). 10. Therefore, the main issues are: • in Appeals A and B whether the appeal site is grey belt land; and if the appeal site is grey belt land, whether the proposal would be inappropriate 1 APP/X4725/W/24/3352034 and APP/X4725/W/24/3357940 2 19 August 2024, prepared by Curtins https://www.gov.uk/planning-inspectorate
Moto Hospitality Southbound, Bramley Lane, Bretton, Wakefield, WF4 4LQ — Wakefield Metropolitan District Council — Appeal Decisions As the site location for Appeals A and B are the same, I am therefore satisfied that the second reason for refusal relating to the objections from the Coal Authority are no longer relevant given the additional information in relation to mine entries and surface stability. The proposal thereby complies with policy LP69 of the Wakefield District Local Plan (2024) (LP). 10. Therefore, the main issues are: • in Appeals A and B whether the appeal site is grey belt land; and if the appeal site is grey belt land, whether the proposal would be inappropriate 1 APP/X4725/W/24/3352034 and APP/X4725/W/24/3357940 2 19 August 2024, prepared by Curtins https://www.gov.uk/planning-inspectorate
Moto Hospitality Southbound, Bramley Lane, Bretton, Wakefield, WF4 4LQ — Wakefield Metropolitan District Council — Appeal Decisions Appeal Decision APP/X4725/W/24/3352035, APP/X4725/W/24/3357957 development in the Green Belt having regard to the Framework and relevant development plan policies; and • in Appeal A only, whether the proposal would provide appropriate net gains in Biodiversity. Reasons Whether the appeal site is grey belt land 11. The appeal site is an area of tarmac which forms part of the car park area within the site of the southbound Motorway Services Area (MSA). The site lies between the two-storey hotel and a single storey facilities building, it also contains a petrol station and the main MSA building. The land to the rear of the appeal site and hotel rises steeply. This change in topography and the presence of established tree planting screens the site from wider public views. 12. The proposal seeks to erect a drive thru on an area currently used for parking. It is proposed that the drive thru would be operated by KFC. The whole of the MSA including the appeal site is located in the Green Belt. The Framework states that the fundamental aim of Green Belt policy is to prevent urban sprawl by keeping land permanently open.
Moto Hospitality Southbound, Bramley Lane, Bretton, Wakefield, WF4 4LQ — Wakefield Metropolitan District Council — Appeal Decisions Paragraph 153 states that inappropriate development is, by definition harmful to the Green Belt and should not be approved except in very special circumstances. It also states at paragraph 155 that the development of homes, commercial and other development in the Green Belt should not be regarded as inappropriate where, amongst other things, it would utilise grey belt land. 13. The Glossary to the Framework defines grey belt land as land in the Green Belt comprising previously developed land (PDL) and/or any other land that, in either case, does not strongly contribute to certain purposes of the Green Belt identified by paragraph 143 of the Framework. Grey Belt excludes land where the application of the policies relating to the areas or assets in footnote 7 (other than Green Belt) would provide a strong reason for refusing or restricting development. 14. The main parties agree that the appeal site constitutes PDL and based on my observations I concur. However, in order to conclude whether the appeal site comprises grey belt land, I must also assess whether it strongly contributes to Green Belt purposes a), b) and d). 15. Purpose a) to check the unrestricted sprawl of large built-up areas.
Moto Hospitality Southbound, Bramley Lane, Bretton, Wakefield, WF4 4LQ — Wakefield Metropolitan District Council — Appeal Decisions The appeal site is located on an area of car parking within the confines of the existing MSA which includes a number of buildings, structures and hard standing. The site is visually contained from the wider countryside beyond by the topography and defensible landscaping, which prevents unrestricted sprawl of development. The site therefore does not strongly contribute to Green Belt purpose a). 16. Purpose b) to prevent neighbouring towns merging into one another. The appeal site is separated from the nearby urban areas by a distance of approximately 2km. As set out above, the site is visually contained from the wider countryside and would not result in the loss of visual separation between neighbouring towns. The site therefore does not strongly contribute to Green Belt purpose b). 17. Purpose d) is to preserve the setting and special character of historic towns. Based on the evidence before me the appeal site does not form part of the setting https://www.gov.uk/planning-inspectorate
Moto Hospitality Southbound, Bramley Lane, Bretton, Wakefield, WF4 4LQ — Wakefield Metropolitan District Council — Appeal Decisions Appeal Decision APP/X4725/W/24/3352035, APP/X4725/W/24/3357957 of a historic town. The site therefore does not strongly contribute to Green Belt purpose d). 18. The appeal site is not located in an area which is covered by or affects other designations where areas of grey belt would be covered by or affect other designations in footnote 7. Based on the evidence before me, and my own observations, I conclude that the site meets the definition of grey belt with regards to purposes a), b) and d) in paragraph 143 of the Framework. Inappropriate development 19.
Moto Hospitality Southbound, Bramley Lane, Bretton, Wakefield, WF4 4LQ — Wakefield Metropolitan District Council — Appeal Decisions Appeal Decision APP/X4725/W/24/3352035, APP/X4725/W/24/3357957 of a historic town. The site therefore does not strongly contribute to Green Belt purpose d). 18. The appeal site is not located in an area which is covered by or affects other designations where areas of grey belt would be covered by or affect other designations in footnote 7. Based on the evidence before me, and my own observations, I conclude that the site meets the definition of grey belt with regards to purposes a), b) and d) in paragraph 143 of the Framework. Inappropriate development 19.
Moto Hospitality Southbound, Bramley Lane, Bretton, Wakefield, WF4 4LQ — Wakefield Metropolitan District Council — Appeal Decisions Paragraph 155 of the Framework states that the development of homes, commercial and other development in the Green Belt should not be regarded as inappropriate where all of the following apply; a) The development would utilise grey belt land and would not fundamentally undermine the purposes (taken together) of the remaining Green Belt across the area of the plan; b) There is a demonstrable unmet need for the type of development proposed; c) The development would be in a sustainable location, with particular reference to paragraphs 110 and 115 of this Framework; and d) Where applicable the development proposed meets the ‘Golden Rules’ requirements set out in paragraphs 156-157. 20. Policy LP62 of the LP states that proposals for redeveloping existing uses within the Green Belt will only be permitted if very special circumstances can be demonstrated or the proposal meets the criteria set out in national planning policy. Green Belt Purposes a) 21. The Policies Map of the LP shows an extensive expanse of undeveloped land between the MSA and main built-up areas.
Moto Hospitality Southbound, Bramley Lane, Bretton, Wakefield, WF4 4LQ — Wakefield Metropolitan District Council — Appeal Decisions The appeal site is modest in size in comparison to the extent of the Green Belt and comprises an area of previously developed land which is visually well contained from the wider countryside beyond. Therefore, the remaining countryside would be safe from encroachment. As set out above there would be no conflict with the other Green Belt purposes set out in paragraph 143 of the Framework. Consequently, the development would therefore not fundamentally undermine the purposes (taken together) of the remaining Green Belt across the plan area. Demonstrable Need b) 22. The proposed development would provide a new drive thru which would expand the existing offer available at the motorway services. As well as a drive thru the proposal would also include a customer seating area, which would provide motorists with opportunities for taking a break from driving in addition to the existing offer already available at the MSA. 23. Based on the submitted evidence I am not satisfied that the drive thru is essential for the functioning of the motorway nor that it would be better from a road safety perspective as drivers would not necessarily stop and rest to consume their purchases.
Moto Hospitality Southbound, Bramley Lane, Bretton, Wakefield, WF4 4LQ — Wakefield Metropolitan District Council — Appeal Decisions Nevertheless, I recognise that the proposal would also include a seating area, which would increase the overall space available for travellers to https://www.gov.uk/planning-inspectorate
Moto Hospitality Southbound, Bramley Lane, Bretton, Wakefield, WF4 4LQ — Wakefield Metropolitan District Council — Appeal Decisions Nevertheless, I recognise that the proposal would also include a seating area, which would increase the overall space available for travellers to https://www.gov.uk/planning-inspectorate
Moto Hospitality Southbound, Bramley Lane, Bretton, Wakefield, WF4 4LQ — Wakefield Metropolitan District Council — Appeal Decisions Appeal Decision APP/X4725/W/24/3352035, APP/X4725/W/24/3357957 take rests and would provide additional choice for users of the MSA. I note that 80% of the 114 MSA sites already have a drive thru, which indicates that they are becoming part of the established offer, with an expectation from consumers for such services. The drive thru would also provide travellers with convenient and efficient methods to obtain food and drink and also enhance the local economy by creating jobs. Moreover, the drive thru would provide a more convenient option for those travelling with reduced mobility. 24. The high number of existing drive thrus indicates that they are becoming part of the established offer at MSAs. Therefore, given the lack of this type of facility at present, the additional seating provided and that it would expand the choice of food and drink on offer for motorists, I am satisfied that there is a demonstrable unmet need for this type of development in this location. Therefore, the proposal meets criterion b) of paragraph 155 of the Framework. Sustainable Location (c) 25. Paragraph 110 of the Framework seeks to focus development in locations which are or can be made sustainable.
Moto Hospitality Southbound, Bramley Lane, Bretton, Wakefield, WF4 4LQ — Wakefield Metropolitan District Council — Appeal Decisions However, MSA’s are specifically designed to meet the requirements of motorist users. The main parties agree that the MSA is in a strategic location which together with the northbound services sit astride the M1. Given its distance from the main urban areas, where there are alternative facilities available, the proposal would provide for motorist users and therefore is a sustainable location for the type of development proposed. Therefore, criterion c) of paragraph 155 of the Framework is met. Golden Rules d) 26. As the proposal does not comprise development for housing, the Golden Rules set out in paragraph 155d) are not applicable. Overall 27. The Council has referred me to an appeal3 for land to the North of Bilborough Top Services, which is also located in the Green Belt. Reference has also been made by the appellant and responded to by the Council to caselaw examples relating to openness. However, as the approach to Green Belt set out in the Framework has been changed, these examples are no longer directly relevant to this appeal. 28. All of the relevant criteria contained in paragraph 155 of the Framework are met.
Moto Hospitality Southbound, Bramley Lane, Bretton, Wakefield, WF4 4LQ — Wakefield Metropolitan District Council — Appeal Decisions Consequently, the proposal is not inappropriate development in the Green Belt as set out in paragraph 155 of the Framework and complies with LP Policy LP62. Biodiversity Net Gain 29. Policy LP51 of the LP states that where development is permitted the Council will require developers to create new or replacement habitats with a minimum net gain of 10% of the current ecological value of the site using the DEFRA Metric. The Wakefield District Biodiversity Net Gain Supplementary Planning Document (2024) provides detailed guidance on how at least 10% BNG could be achieved through development in the district. 3 APP/N2739/W/22/3300273 https://www.gov.uk/planning-inspectorate
Moto Hospitality Southbound, Bramley Lane, Bretton, Wakefield, WF4 4LQ — Wakefield Metropolitan District Council — Appeal Decisions Consequently, the proposal is not inappropriate development in the Green Belt as set out in paragraph 155 of the Framework and complies with LP Policy LP62. Biodiversity Net Gain 29. Policy LP51 of the LP states that where development is permitted the Council will require developers to create new or replacement habitats with a minimum net gain of 10% of the current ecological value of the site using the DEFRA Metric. The Wakefield District Biodiversity Net Gain Supplementary Planning Document (2024) provides detailed guidance on how at least 10% BNG could be achieved through development in the district. 3 APP/N2739/W/22/3300273 https://www.gov.uk/planning-inspectorate
Moto Hospitality Southbound, Bramley Lane, Bretton, Wakefield, WF4 4LQ — Wakefield Metropolitan District Council — Appeal Decisions Appeal Decision APP/X4725/W/24/3352035, APP/X4725/W/24/3357957 30. As part of the appeal the appellant submitted a Small Sites Metric which indicates a total net percentage change of +954.09% in habitat units. 31. Since the original application was submitted the mandatory requirements for developers to deliver BNG of 10% has come into force. Although this does not apply to Appeal A, it is recognised that conditions to secure BNG are appropriate. Despite the differences in the site area relevant to the two appeals, I am therefore satisfied that appropriate BNG could be achieved subject to the condition as suggested by the Council in relation to Appeal B, which is taken from the 1990 Act (see below). 32. Therefore, the proposal would provide appropriate net gains in Biodiversity. Hence, the proposal would not conflict with Policies LP51 and LP53 of the LP which amongst other things requires development to achieve a minimum net gain of 10% of the current ecological value of the site. Conditions 33. I have considered the Council’s suggested conditions and where appropriate amended the wording to more closely align with the Planning Practice Guidance (PPG). 34.
Moto Hospitality Southbound, Bramley Lane, Bretton, Wakefield, WF4 4LQ — Wakefield Metropolitan District Council — Appeal Decisions In order to meet legislative requirements, a condition shall be imposed to address the period for commencement (1). I have imposed conditions relating to approved plans for the avoidance of doubt (2, 11 and 14). A condition is required relating to approved materials (3) to protect the character and appearance of the area. To protect the amenity of local residents, a condition is required in relation to finished floor levels (4). 35. I have combined the Council’s suggested conditions relating to a pre- commencement foul and surface water drainage scheme and drainage strategy into a condition relating to foul and surface water drainage for consistency (5), which is required to mitigate potential flooding. To ensure that risks to future users and neighbouring land are minimised, a condition is required in relation to basic radon protection measures (6) and contamination (10). 36. In the interests of promoting sustainable travel a condition is required in relation to Electric Vehicle Charging Points (7). In the interests of highway safety, a condition is required in relation to wheel washing (8). 37.
Moto Hospitality Southbound, Bramley Lane, Bretton, Wakefield, WF4 4LQ — Wakefield Metropolitan District Council — Appeal Decisions A condition relating to BNG is not necessary for Appeal B by virtue of paragraph 13 of Schedule 7a of the 1990 Act, as every planning permission granted is deemed to have been granted subject to the wording in 13(2). Therefore, the standard conditions apply to Appeal B. In the interests of mitigating ecological harm and to deliver 10% BNG, conditions are required in relation to biodiversity and landscape (12 and 13). To ensure a well laid out landscaping scheme in the interests of amenity landscaping, a condition is required (9). Conclusion 38. For the reasons given above the appeal should be allowed.
Moto Hospitality Southbound, Bramley Lane, Bretton, Wakefield, WF4 4LQ — Wakefield Metropolitan District Council — C Skelly INSPECTOR https://www.gov.uk/planning-inspectorate
Moto Hospitality Southbound, Bramley Lane, Bretton, Wakefield, WF4 4LQ — Wakefield Metropolitan District Council — C Skelly INSPECTOR https://www.gov.uk/planning-inspectorate Appeal Decision APP/X4725/W/24/3352035, APP/X4725/W/24/3357957 SCHEDULE OF CONDITIONS Appeals A and B 1) The development hereby permitted shall begin not later than three years from the date of this decision. 2) The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the following documents and drawing nos: Drawing no: 230077_P L-13, Drawing no: 230077_P L-14, Drawing no: 230077_P L-16, Phase II Ground Investigations Report – Reference 084545.101-CUR-XX-XX-T- GE-00001 Rev P01, dated 19/08/2024, Highways Technical Note – Reference 8824, Dated September 2023 Drainage Strategy – Reference 8824, Dated September 2023 KFC Drive-Thru Lighting Report – Reference SHD1141 Agent supporting statement (rebuttal), Green Belt Openness Assessment dated May 2023, Ecological Constraints Survey ECO033381 dated 14 September 2023. 3) The development hereby approved shall be carried out in accordance with the external materials as detailed on the ‘Proposed KFC Unit Elevations (Southbound Carriageway) drawing (reference PL-13, dated September 2023).
Moto Hospitality Southbound, Bramley Lane, Bretton, Wakefield, WF4 4LQ — Wakefield Metropolitan District Council — C Skelly 4) The development hereby approved shall be carried out in accordance with the finished floor levels as details on the ‘Proposed KFC Site & Levels Plan (Southbound Carriageway) drawing (reference PL-16, received 19/10/2023). The approved levels shall thereafter be retained. 5) Notwithstanding the contents of the Drainage Strategy prepared by MJM Consulting engineers dated 13/10/24, development shall not commence until a foul and surface water drainage scheme has been submitted to and approved in writing by the local planning authority. The drainage scheme must be in accordance with the PPG Hierarchy of Drainage Options. The flow rate shall be restricted to as close as is practical to greenfield rate and not exceed brownfield flowrate based on a rainfall of 30mm/hour reduced by a minimum of 30%. Surface water attenuation shall be provided for the minimum 1 in 100-year return period storm, including a 40% allowance for climate change. Calculations for the attenuation scheme must be submitted. No part of the development shall be brought into use until the flow restriction works within the approved scheme have been completed. The approved scheme shall thereafter be retained and maintained.
Moto Hospitality Southbound, Bramley Lane, Bretton, Wakefield, WF4 4LQ — Wakefield Metropolitan District Council — C Skelly 6) The construction of any building hereby approved shall not commence until a scheme demonstrating how suitable 'basic' radon gas protection measures will be installed has been submitted to and approved in writing by the local planning authority. No part of the development shall be brought into use until the approved gas protection measures have been installed which shall thereafter be retained and maintained. https://www.gov.uk/planning-inspectorate
Moto Hospitality Southbound, Bramley Lane, Bretton, Wakefield, WF4 4LQ — Wakefield Metropolitan District Council — C Skelly 6) The construction of any building hereby approved shall not commence until a scheme demonstrating how suitable 'basic' radon gas protection measures will be installed has been submitted to and approved in writing by the local planning authority. No part of the development shall be brought into use until the approved gas protection measures have been installed which shall thereafter be retained and maintained. https://www.gov.uk/planning-inspectorate
Moto Hospitality Southbound, Bramley Lane, Bretton, Wakefield, WF4 4LQ — Wakefield Metropolitan District Council — C Skelly Appeal Decision APP/X4725/W/24/3352035, APP/X4725/W/24/3357957 7) Prior to the commencement of construction works, details of Electric Vehicle Charging Point(s) shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the local planning authority. The Electric Vehicle Charging Point(s) shall be installed in accordance with the approved details prior to the development being brought into use which shall thereafter be maintained and retained. 8) Development (including demolition, construction, engineering and/or other operations) including works for site investigation and site preparation approved by this permission shall not commence until washing equipment for cleaning the wheels and undersides of vehicles has been provided on site to prevent mud and debris being deposited onto the highway. The washing equipment shall be fully operational and shall be used to clean all vehicles to ensure that they are free from mud and debris before they leave the site at all times during the carrying out of such works until its completion. Any mud or debris from the site which is deposited on to the highway during this period of works shall be removed immediately.
Moto Hospitality Southbound, Bramley Lane, Bretton, Wakefield, WF4 4LQ — Wakefield Metropolitan District Council — C Skelly 9) The development hereby approved shall not be brought into use until a scheme detailing the hard and soft landscaping, tree/shrub planting including the indication of all existing trees and hedgerows on and adjoining the site (details of any to be retained) has been submitted to and approved in writing by the local planning authority. The landscaping scheme, where required, shall include the incorporation of underground system, complete with a specification of an appropriate soil type and soil volume to encourage successful tree growth. The development and the works comprising the approved scheme shall be implemented in accordance with the approved phasing. The approved landscaping scheme shall, from its completion, be maintained for a period of five years. If, within this period, any tree, shrub or hedge shall die, become diseased or be removed, it shall be replaced with others of similar size and species unless the local planning authority gives its written consent to any variation. The areas indicated for use as soft landscaping shall be retained as soft landscaped areas and used for no other purpose.
Moto Hospitality Southbound, Bramley Lane, Bretton, Wakefield, WF4 4LQ — Wakefield Metropolitan District Council — C Skelly All trees shall be procured and planted in accordance with British Standards BS 8545:2014, with the nursery provider demonstrating Plant Healthy Certification and/or an adopted biosecurity policy. 10) If, during development, contamination not previously identified is found to be present at the site then works shall cease and no further development (unless otherwise agreed in writing with the Local Planning Authority) shall be carried out until a remediation strategy has been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority detailing how this unsuspected contamination shall be dealt with. The remediation strategy shall be implemented as approved and shall thereafter be retained. Appeal A only 11) The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the following documents and drawing nos: Drawing no: 230077_PL-02, 230077_PL-04, 230077_PL-06, Drawing no 230639-RAP-XX-XX-DR-L-4101 Rev P01 https://www.gov.uk/planning-inspectorate
Moto Hospitality Southbound, Bramley Lane, Bretton, Wakefield, WF4 4LQ — Wakefield Metropolitan District Council — C Skelly Appeal Decision APP/X4725/W/24/3352035, APP/X4725/W/24/3357957 Small Sites Metric dated February 2024, Design and Access Statement dated October 2023. 12) Development shall not commence unless and until a biodiversity gain plan has been submitted to and approved in writing by the local planning authority. The biodiversity gain plan must include details of the following: a) Information about the steps taken or to be taken to minimise the adverse effect of the development on the biodiversity of the onsite habitat and any other habitat, b) The pre-development biodiversity value of the onsite habitat, c) The post-development biodiversity value of the onsite habitat, d) Any registered offsite biodiversity gain allocated to the development and the biodiversity value of that gain in relation to the development, and e) Any biodiversity credits purchased for the development. The approved BNG plan shall be implemented, retained and maintained in accordance with the approved details. 13) Notwithstanding the submitted information, development shall not commence until a Landscape and Ecological Management Plan (LEMP) has been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.
Moto Hospitality Southbound, Bramley Lane, Bretton, Wakefield, WF4 4LQ — Wakefield Metropolitan District Council — C Skelly The LEMP shall include as a minimum the following details: a) A description and evaluation of all ecological features to be managed. b) Ecological trends and constraints that might influence management. c) Aims and objectives of management. d) Management actions for achieving the specified aims and objectives including enhancement measures. e) Preparation of a maintenance schedule (including an annual work plan capable of being rolled forward over a 30-year period). f) Details of the body or organisation responsible for the implementation and long-term maintenance of the plan. g) Legal and funding mechanism(s) by which the implementation and long-term maintenance of the plan will be secured. h) Ongoing monitoring and remedial measures. i) Prescriptions for management actions, including reinstatement/enhancement of work areas, haulage/access roads and site compounds. j) Timeframes for management. The approved LEMP shall be implemented, retained, and maintained in accordance with the approved details.
Moto Hospitality Southbound, Bramley Lane, Bretton, Wakefield, WF4 4LQ — Wakefield Metropolitan District Council — C Skelly Appeal B only 14) The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with drawing nos: Drawing no: 230077_PL-02 Rev C, 230077_PL-04 Rev D, 230077_PL-06 Rev E, 230639-RAP-XX-XX-DR-L-4101 Rev P02, Small Sites Metric dated July 2024, Design and Access Statement dated August 2024. END OF SCHEDULES https://www.gov.uk/planning-inspectorate
Main issues and findings
Green belt Against appellant ¶11
The appeal site is an area of tarmac within the southbound Motorway Services Area (MSA).
Flood risk For appellant ¶5
The revised National Planning Policy Framework (the Framework) was published in December 2024 and it was further updated in February 2025. Of particular relevance to this appeal, it introduced the concept of grey belt land.
Ecology and biodiversity For appellant ¶30
The proposed development would provide appropriate net gains in Biodiversity.
Policies relied on
| Reference | Weight |
|---|---|
| LP62 |
Determinative |
| LP51 |
Substantial |
Site constraints from the Casework Database
Source
Decision letter, 9 pages, issued by the Planning Inspectorate on 1 August 2025 under the Open Government Licence.