The 'Tebay-style' service station planned for the M56 has been delayed after the government called for an inquiry, writes  George Lythgoe.

The plan for Tatton Services offers a fuel refilling station; a farm shop and kitchen selling local produce; a 100-bed hotel; as well as 96 EV charging spaces – creating 325 new jobs for the area. The new motorway service area, to be placed at the 39-acre green belt site between Junctions 7 and 8, was given the green light by Cheshire East Council last year.

The approval led to uproar from local campaigners, who demanded that the secretary of state for levelling up, housing and communities (DLUHC), Michael Gove, call-in the decision. 

The minister decided to call in the matter at the end of last month, meaning the Planning Inspectorate will assess the project at an inquiry beginning on 15 October. 

The developers behind the scheme, Tatton Estates and Westmorland Group, also operate the popular Tebay service station that has featured on Channel 4. In a statement they thanked Cheshire East Council and all their supporters, but criticised the decision to call-in the development, further delaying the project.

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 Dixonhas previously told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: "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.

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