A Tebay-style service station could just be 'too good' for the M56

A Tebay-style service station on the M56 could be 'too good' for the motorway, a planning inquiry has been told.

At a hearing into the plan for Tatton Services, Trafford Green Party activist Bridget Green expressed concerns for the proposal - which would see a motorway stop established on the other side of the authority's boundary with Cheshire East.

While pointing out that Tebay Services, also operated by the Westmorland family behind the Tatton scheme, is exceptional, she added: "It is a big worry because we think people from Altrincham, Bowdon, Hale and Knutsford, the surrounding area, will actually visit this services, not because they are on a journey and need a break, but because the food is good and the shop is good.

"And we think it will become a destination, which is a problem.” The services proposed for 39 acres of green belt land between J7 and J8 of the M56 include a new motorway service building with farm shop, a 100-bed hotel, filling station and 96 EV charging spaces.

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It was approved by Cheshire East council, as the local planning authority, in October 2023. But the Secretary of State has the final say and will make a decision after the project has been assessed by the planning inspector at this inquiry.

Trafford Council, which was consulted over the plan because it is a neighbouring authority, initially objected to the proposals. But on the eve of the hearing it withdrew its opposition because National Highways say there is a need for a service station there.

In his opening statement Paul Tucker KC, representing applicant Tatton Services, said: “The applicant has always accepted that the proposed