Plans for a new service station in Cheshire – from the group that owns Tebay Services – could be given the green light.
Tatton Services has submitted an application to erect the facility on greenbelt land between junctions 7 and 8 of the M56.
As the meeting approaches next week, the planning officers at Cheshire East Council have suggested granting consent for the project.
But the final go-ahead remains contingent on their endorsement.
Venture by Tebay Services
The proposed venture by Tatton Services, an 80/20 collaboration between the Westmorland Family and the Tatton Estate, includes the construction of a fresh service station building, a 100-room hotel, and a petrol station.
In addition to Tebay Services (pictured) on the M6 in Cumbria, the Westmorland Family also owns Gloucester Services on the M5 and Cairn Lodge Services on the M74 near Lanark.
These were all ranked in the top three of Which? Best and worst service stations guide of 2021.
Objections
Despite receiving approximately 150 objections to the Tatton Services plans, along with a dissenting voice from Trafford Council concerning the unsuitability of the development within the green belt, about 30 expressions of support surfaced from local residents, business organizations, including local Chambers of Commerce, and other firms.
The council’s planning officers, while acknowledging that the initiative would not conform to green belt regulations, emphasised that the benefits, encompassing enhanced highway safety, economic gains, local business prospects, and employment openings, far outweighed the drawbacks.
Planning officers also underlined that the magnitude and nature of the proposal necessitated referral to the secretary of state.
Cheshire East Council’s strategic planning board will deliberate on the plans on October 25.
