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Content:
Hatfield
MSO Home - Unbuilt Services - Hatfield
Factfile:
Motorway: M18
Junctions: Between J4 and J5
Location: South Yorkshire DN7
Other names: Rossington
Date planned: 1977-1985
A fairly large site, Hatfield is quite noticeable because the land where it would have been built is clearly marked out and is actually lower than the surrounding land. This is now used unofficially as a skate park.
Since the 90s, ex-operator Pavilion have been trying to get planning permission for Doncaster (North) services at J5, on the basis that this site at Hatfield is too close to the junction and that it would be better to serve two roads at once, especially considering that the M180's rather tedious landscape has a history of sending drivers to sleep.
Hatfield also comes with a subway under the road which would have been used by the services, and four very clear 'sliproads to nowhere' which would have served the services, one of which is now used to display a sign for the more recent Doncaster services. How ironic is that?
Photos:
Click on a photo to view the full size. If you have one to add, contact me. It's never too late to get your name in the limelight.
 | Looking south, you can see clearly that this is where the sliproad to the services should leave the motorway, but, oh dear, someone has put a sign in the way! Where I am standing is roughly where the secret exit should have been. Photo taken in 2008. |
 | Looking north and on the northbound side, this field is where the services should be. It's actually really easy to get to, and because of that it seems to be popular with local bikers if the tire tracks are anything to go by. Photo taken in 2008. |
 | Halfway down we find this rather rude tunnel. It seems to be the closest they got to actually building the services. Photo taken in 2008. |
 | On the other side lies several blocks of concrete. Photo taken in 2008. |
 | Still looking north but now on the southbound side, this field is a lot more well-kept and is now home to several horses which can just be made out in the background - the reason for the blocks of concrete which can be seen in the previous photo. Photo taken in 2008. |
 | Now we're out of the services and looking north, where the two sliproads for them should be. Photo taken in 2008. |
 | The other two, the north-facing ones. From here the site of the services can be easily made out, especially the southbound (left) side. Photo taken in 2008. |