‘Clear need’ for new motorway services on M56

Tatton Services would include a hotel and petrol station as well as a shop and kitchen

There is a “clear need” for a new motorway service station on green belt land in Cheshire, a public inquiry has heard.

Westmorland - who own Tebay Services on the M6 - and the Tatton Estate are seeking to build a site between junctions 7 and 8 of the M56.

A representative for the local planning authority, Cheshire East Council, told the final day of a public inquiry the benefits “clearly outweigh” the harm.

The planning inspector will now consider his recommendations, before a final decision is made by the government.

The closing statement for Tatton Services, read by its lawyer, Paul Tucker, said the benefits “outweigh” any potential damage to green belt land.

The site provides an “all but ideal and ready-made opportunity for a motorway service area (MSA)”, he said.

He added that the scheme would create a “top-notch” MSA which in “no way” would detract any nearby attractions.

“It is far more likely to be viewed as an enhancement and benefit to the local economy," he said.

Meanwhile, Cheshire East Council’s statement, read by their representative, Stephen Whale, said there was a “range of considerations” weighing in favour of the proposed plans.

He said although the site was in the green belt, it offered a “limited contribution” to the green belt because of its location.

The statement suggested the advantages, including need and economic benefit, “clearly outweigh” the harm and provided the special circumstances needed to justify any development.

Mr Whale said nearby Trafford Council was in agreement.

The neighbouring authority had previously objected to the plans, but withdrew its objection on the eve of the public inquiry.