New ‘Tebay-style’ services planned for M56

Cheshire East Council approved the plans but the Secretary of State will have the final say

Belinda Ryan Local Democracy Reporter 15:01, 14 Oct 2024

A public inquiry into plans for a new Tebay-style motorway service area on 39 acres of green belt land off the M56[2] is set to begin tomorrow in Knutsford. Dubbed Tatton Services, the proposal includes building a new service area complete with farm shop, a 100-bed hotel, and a filling station, strategically positioned between Junctions 7 and 8.

Cheshire East Council's strategic planning board gave the go-ahead to the project last October by seven votes to three.

Nonetheless, the final decision lies in the hands of the Secretary of State due to the proposal's magnitude and character. ?

The inquiry, expected to conclude on October 25, has come into effect following the minister 'calling in' the matter, meaning a thorough examination by the planning inspectorate ensues. Local voices are split over the application, with Cheshire East's planning officers themselves acknowledging the development as 'inappropriate in the green belt' in their report from October's meeting, albeit greenlighting it on the grounds of highways safety.

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Fashioned after the renowned Tebay Services in Cumbria and the Gloucester Services on the M5, both operated by the Westmorland family, this development aims to mirror their success.

Last year, Sarah Dunning, the chair of Westmorland and family member, told Cheshire East councillors: "It will create 325 jobs, it will support, we hope, 130 local farmers and food producers, it will promote Cheshire as a visitor destination.", reports Cheshire Live[5].

But local resident and objector Bill Dixon, who lives near the proposed site, raised concerns during the meeting, noting: "The scheme will have a severe economic impact on businesses in Knutsford and Altrincham and local Cheshire East villages..." He also stated, "This isn't a normal motorway services. The proposal is for a visitor destination, taking away business from local communities."

A year ago, the planning board received roughly 150 objections to the plan, including opposition from neighbouring Trafford Council, given the site's proximity to its border. However, on the cusp of the inquiry, Trafford Council has retracted its objection, with a spokesperson explaining: "We originally objected to a new service station over harm to green belt and the sustainability of the location."

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They added: "However, very late evidence was submitted last week."

They elaborated on the change by saying, "This was a joint submission by the applicant and National Highways, which stated there was a specific need for the service station facilities on the grounds of driver welfare and safety, particularly HGV drivers." ?

The spokesperson said: "This was the first time National Highways had indicated there was a specific need. Had they done so earlier, we would have had a different position on the proposal."

Consequently, they concluded, "In light of the late evidence, it is now our view that welfare and safety benefits outweigh the harm and we have therefore formally withdrawn our objection.

"This decision was taken corporately, in consultation with senior officers and the relevant councillors.

We will continue to take part in the inquiry to protect our position on planning conditions."

References

1. ^ News (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
2. ^ the M56 (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
3. ^ Fate of town's M&S market plan to be decided this week (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
4. ^ Oasis' little-known link with iconic Liverpool building (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
5. ^ Cheshire Live (www.cheshire-live.co.uk)