Council votes in favour of new motorway service station on M56
Known as Tatton Services, the project is a collaboration between Westmorland Family of Tebay Services (M6), Gloucester Services (M5) and Cairn Lodge Services (M74) fame, and the Tatton Group, built on Tatton Estate Land.
The Tatton Services vision is to build on the model that Westmorland operates, with a focus on local food[1], craft, and connection to the community.
The Project Team – which includes representation from Pegasus Group, Howells, Planit Landscape Architects BWB and Ramboll, amongst others – are proud to be a step closer to securing consent for the services.
Tatton Services aims to fill service area gaps on the strategic road network, helping to improve road safety and meeting the varying needs of motorway users.
The proposed services have been carefully designed to fit seamlessly into the Cheshire Green Belt, taking local biodiversity, sustainable water management, and better cyclist and pedestrian connectivity into account.
It is within a site that is contained by existing road infrastructure.
Sarah Dunning, Chair of Westmorland Limited, said: “We’re delighted and are fully committed to building Tatton Services, which will celebrate Cheshire and all that it has to offer.
"The services will create quality jobs and support local producers and communities alongside meeting the growing needs of electric car drivers. We are grateful for the engagement and support received from local councillors, businesses, residents, and the local community and look forward to bringing our unique model of motorway services to the M56.
"We started our business from our family’s hill farm in Cumbria in 1972. Today we run motorway services, but the way we do it still reflects and celebrates our beginnings.”
Tatton Services will feature a fuel refilling station, farm shop and kitchen, and 100-bed hotel, all integrated with the latest energy efficiency and generation technologies.
It will also provide 96 EV charging spaces, adding to the convenience for travellers.
This project is set to create 325 new jobs and will uphold commitment to local employment, training and sourcing local produce.
Amy Bowden on behalf of the Tatton Estate said: “This unique sustainable motorway service area is exactly the sort of high-quality development the Tatton Estate are proud to promote, with a strong family-run ethos, excellent architecture, landscaping and environmental credentials.
"Tatton Services will provide a boost for the future of local food producers and farming businesses, as well as providing new training, skills, opportunities and jobs for people in communities on and near the Tatton Estate.”
As the project is in the Green Belt, the next stage is for local planning authority to consult the Secretary of State on their proposed decision.