Key takeaways
- The existing 60-space HGV park will be extended onto an adjoining field.
- A new amenity building will provide showers and a gym.
- The plans include one electric HGV charging bay.
- Eight charging spaces for cars and vans and two jet-wash bays are also planned.
- The number of additional HGV parking spaces and the construction timetable have not yet been disclosed.
The plans cover Exelby Services’ Golden Fleece truck stop, located beside the A6 near junction 42 of the M6. The site is strategically positioned for freight traffic travelling between England and Scotland.
The extension will take the truck parking area westwards into part of a neighbouring field. Plans also provide for 2.4-metre perimeter fencing, additional landscaping and a purpose-built amenity building containing showers and a gym.
One electric HGV charging space will be installed within the existing lorry parking area, close to its north-western boundary. Eight electric charging spaces for cars and vans are planned elsewhere at the service station.
Although the single HGV charging bay is a relatively modest addition, it will introduce electric lorry charging at a strategically located stop on one of the principal freight routes connecting England and Scotland.
Two jet-wash bays also form part of the approved project.
Existing truck park accommodates 60 HGVs
Golden Fleece currently provides parking for up to 60 lorries and is open around the clock. Existing security measures include fencing, barriers, CCTV and overnight patrols.
Drivers also have access to toilets, showers, hot food, a shop and Wi-Fi. According to Exelby Services, 24-hour HGV parking currently costs £23, or £27 with a £7 shop voucher.
However, neither the published planning information nor the local report on the approval states how many new HGV spaces will be created. A proposed opening or completion date has also not been announced.
Noise impact considered acceptable
St Cuthbert Without Parish Council raised no objections to the proposal. Council planning officers concluded that the layout, landscaping and location were compatible with local planning policies. A noise assessment also found that noise generated by the expanded site could be kept within acceptable levels through the proposed mitigation measures. The closest residential property is situated south of the site, on the opposite side of the A6.
The expansion comes amid continuing concern over the availability and quality of lorry parking in the UK. In Transport Focus’s latest facilities survey, 61% of participating drivers said there were not enough suitable places for them to stop.
Golden Fleece itself placed third nationally for driver satisfaction in the watchdog’s 2025 survey. Another Exelby facility, Coneygarth Services on the A1(M), took first place.
