Controversial 'Tebay-style' service station on M56 set to get green light

A controversial bid to build a motorway service station on the M56 in Green Belt land just 100 metres from the Trafford council boundary will be decided by councillors in the neighbouring Cheshire East authority tomorrow (Wednesday October 25). The plan is to build a service area similar to the revered Tebay stopping point on the M6 in Cumbria between junctions 7 and 8 next to Tatton Park, for which council officers are recommending approval.

Applicant Tatton Services Limited wants to build a facility with a farm shop selling delicious pies, but the idea has sparked a row between the two councils. If it goes ahead it will mean the demolition of all existing buildings, apart from a farmhouse and the ‘part retention’ of a barn to be used as part of the service station, including, a 100-bed hotel and filling station.

There would also be a service yard, solar panels, electric charging points, open space, landscaping and planting and drainage. Councillors on Trafford’s planning and development management committee were consulted over the plan in January when strong objections were voiced.

READ MORE: Plans for 'Tebay' style motorway services with hotel on M56 sparks major row over PIES

READ MORE: The Greater Manchester town undergoing a huge rebirth - could it become one of region's trendiest spots?

More than 150 letters from local residents and groups have been submitted to Cheshire East council objecting to the plan. The groups include Bowdon Conservation Group, High Leigh Parish Council, High Leigh Primary School, the Council for the Preservation of Rural England (CPRE) and Little Bollington with Agden Community Council.

Gounds for the objection include the ‘inappropriate development in Green Belt - on a vastly greater