Tatton motorway services plans from Tebay owner set for approval

Trafford Council is among those objecting to the scheme, saying it is inappropriate in the green belt

Plans for a new service station in Cheshire from the group that owns Cumbria's Tebay Services are set to be given the green light.

Tatton Services has applied to build the site on greenbelt land between junctions 7 and 8 of the M56.

Planning officers at Cheshire East Council have recommended the scheme for approval, ahead of a meeting next week.

The authority said the final decision would be subject to approval from the government.

Tatton Services, which is an 80/20 partnership between the Westmorland Family and the Tatton Estate, is proposing to build a new service station building, a 100-bedroom hotel and a petrol station.

The Westmorland Family owns Tebay Services off the M6 in Cumbria as well as Gloucester Services on the M5 and Cairn Lodge Services on the M74 near Lanark.

About 150 letters of objection were received to the plans for Tatton Services, as well as an objection from Trafford Council on grounds the development would be inappropriate in the green belt.

About 30 letters of support were received from local residents, business organisations such as local Chambers of Commerce and other companies.

In recommending the scheme for approval, planning officers at the council said although it would be an inappropriate development in the green belt, the harm was "clearly outweighed by the need for the proposal". They cited highways safety benefits, economic benefits, opportunities for local businesses and employment opportunities.

The planning officers noted that due to the scale and nature of the proposal, it would need to be referred to the secretary of state.

The plans will be discussed by Cheshire East Council's strategic planning board on 25 October.

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