The future of the proposed Tatton Services on the M56, highlighted as ‘top notch,’ now lies in the hands of the Secretary of State after a detailed inquiry concluded.
- Approved by Cheshire East Council in October 2023, the project aims to develop 39 acres of green belt land into a service area featuring a hotel, farm shop, filling station, and numerous EV chargers.
- Concerns have been raised about increased traffic and adverse effects on local town centres like Altrincham and Knutsford, though the applicant argues it will support highway safety and local economies.
- Trafford Council, initially opposed to the development, retracted its objections shortly before the inquiry, easing the path for the proposal.
- The final decision, based on the planning inspector’s recommendation, could see Tatton Services operational by late 2026.
The prospective establishment of the Tatton Services, described as ‘top notch’, on the M56 has reached a consequential milestone as its fate now awaits the decision of the Secretary of State. This follows an exhaustive inquiry process, where stakeholders presented their respective cases for and against the development. Approved initially by the Cheshire East Council in October 2023, the project proposes the transformation of 39 acres of green belt land situated between Junctions 7 and 8.
The envisioned services mirror the designs found at other notable motorway service areas, such as Tebay on the M6, offering amenities including a farm shop, a 100-bed hotel, and a filling station. Moreover, it plans to feature 96 electric vehicle charging stations, underlying its commitment to sustainable practices. Despite the local council’s initial approval, questions remain about the proposal’s impact on the surrounding environment and infrastructure.
Critics of the Tatton Services have voiced concerns regarding the potential increase of traffic in the vicinity, alongside negative repercussions for the economic vitality of nearby town centres such as Altrincham and Knutsford. This debate was a focal point during the inquiry, where it was argued that the supplementary traffic could outweigh the purported benefits of added convenience for motorway users.
Intriguingly, Trafford Council, which was once a vocal opponent of the scheme, surprisingly withdrew its opposition mere days before the inquiry commenced. Such a turnaround arguably reflects shifting perceptions or reassurances received regarding the development’s viability and necessity.
Cheshire East Council and the applicant, Tatton Services, notwithstanding acknowledging the inappropriateness of green belt utilisation, advocated for the project on the basis of ‘exceptional circumstances.’ The council’s counsel, Stephen Whale, accentuated the site’s strategic suitability due to its seclusion created by the surrounding road networks. This, he argued, renders it an essential location for an MSA to address apparent service gaps along this motorway stretch.
The inquiry’s outcome now hinges on the planning inspector’s recommendation, subsequently guiding the Secretary of State’s impending decision.
