A new service station from the company behind Tebay Services has been delayed after the government called in the decision.
Tatton Estates and the Westmorland Group, which runs the famous Tebay site and two sister service station and farm shop complexes, are planning a new site at Tatton Services in Cheshire. The project would include a fuel refilling station; a farm shop and kitchen selling local produce; a 100-bed hotel; as well as 96 EV charging spaces, and developers say it could create 325 new jobs for the area.
The new motorway service area, planned for the 39-acre green belt site between Junctions 7 and 8, was approved by Cheshire East Council last year. But that green light led to uproar from local campaigners, who successfully demanded the secretary of state for levelling up, housing and communities (DLUHC), Michael Gove, call-in the decision.
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The Planning Inspectorate will assess the plans at an inquiry from October 15. In a statement, Tatton Estates and Westmorland Group thanked Cheshire East Council and all their supporters, but criticised the decision to call in the development.
A spokesperson said: "Tatton Services is an amazing project and first and foremost we would like to thank everyone who has supported this exciting project and the resulting jobs for Cheshire so far, especially Cheshire East Council.
"Whilst we are obviously disappointed by the inevitable delay from the government, taking away the decision from the locally elected leaders who had already approved it, we remain steadfastly committed to the project.
"We will continue to make the case to decision makers so people can benefit from the local jobs, sustainable growth and vital road safety improvements this project will secure.
"Delivering the unique Westmorland Family model, Tatton Services is a truly sustainable solution to a very large gap on the M56 and M62 motorways around Manchester in both directions.
"It also creates apprenticeship roles and champions local foods and products. We continue to work with many others to raise awareness of the huge benefits this project will bring to our community."
Campaigner Bill Dixon has previously told the Manchester Evening News: "The consequence of this is an unnecessary and damaging development with the loss of valuable green belt and considerable safety, congestion and local economic impact."
He added that the service station will be a 'destination attraction' and not a stopping point for motorists to rest, which could damage businesses in the surrounding communities of Altrincham, Hale and Sale.
The Westmorland Family also operates Cairn Lodge services in southern Scotland and Gloucester Services on the M5. It also runs the Junction 38 Truckstop off the M6 in Cumbria, the Westmorland Hotel at Tebay, and the Rheged callery and cafe near Penrith.
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