New Tebay-style services plans approved

The new services would lie between junctions 7 and 8 of the M56 in Cheshire

Proposals for a new Tebay-style services in Cheshire have finally been given the go-ahead after a long process which saw the government calling in the decision.

Westmorland - who own the celebrated Tebay Services on the M6 - and the Tatton Estate want to build the stop-off between junctions 7 and 8 of the M56.

Housing and Planning Minister Matthew Pennycock approved the plans for the 39-acre site, which include a fuel station, a farm shop and a 100-bed hotel, with the estimated creation of more than 300 jobs.

The plans were first approved by Cheshire East Council in October 2023, but were later called in for a public inquiry amid objections from local campaigners over the use of green belt land.

Tebay Services in Cumbria is regularly declared as one of England's best services, earning praise from Which Magazine and even comedian Frank Skinner, who one said: "If there is a road to heaven, Tebay Services would be the service station on that road."

However, campaigner Bill Dixon previously told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: "The consequence of [the plan] is an unnecessary and damaging development with the loss of valuable green belt and considerable safety, congestion and local economic impact."

Pennycock said in a letter announcing the decision he agreed with the planning inspector's conclusion and recommendation following the public inquiry in October that the need for a motorway services in the area was "indisputable" and there was no realistic prospect of an equivalent alternative site.

The government's decision can be challenged by making an application to the High Court within six weeks.