Government approves controversial M56 Tebay-style service station despite local opposition

Controversial plans to build a large service station on the M56 modeled after the popular Tebay Services have received approval from Housing and Planning Minister Matthew Pennycock.

The project, situated on a 39-acre site, will feature a fuel station, farm shop, and a 100-bed hotel, and should create 300 jobs. But it faced strong opposition from Trafford's Green councillors and local residents, who argue it will negatively impact businesses in nearby Altrincham, Sale, and Hale Barns on the Cheshire border.

The plan, a collaboration between Tebay services owner Westmorland and the Tatton Estate, was first approved in October 2023, but then called in for a public inquiry due to concerns over the use of the site's Green Belt land.

In response to the decision, campaigner Bill Dixon said "I am very disappointed because the minister insisted that the service station should not be a destination in its own right, but, in my view, it will be as all the evidence shows.

"It will cause traffic chaos on the A556-M56 junction and do enormous harm to businesses in Altrincham. It's a sad day for Trafford."

At the time the application was submitted, Green councillors on Trafford's planning committee had also spoken out against the plans.

In a letter confirming the decision, Mr Pennycock concurred with the planning inspector's conclusion and recommendation that the requirement for a motorway service station in the region was 'indisputable' and there was no feasible alternative site.

Those against the decision have a six-week window to apply to the High Court if they wish to contest the ruling.

The main issues at the inquiry included the need for the motorway service area (MSA), the economic impacts and the impact on the green belt.

The report from the Secretary of State says: “The Secretary of State agrees with the inspector’s conclusion that the need for a MSA on this part of the strategic road network is indisputable, that the proposal would reduce a significant number of gaps and reduce others, and that there is no realistic prospect of an equivalent alternative site.

“She further agrees that the safety and welfare benefits endorsed by National Highways should be given substantial weight.”

Examining the local economic impact, the report adds: “The Secretary of State agrees with the inspector’s conclusion that the extent to which the proposal would be likely to act as a local destination in its own right, as opposed to a destination of choice for motorists making a long journey on the strategic road network, would be extremely limited.

“There is no basis to conclude that it would result in unsustainable patterns of travel in general.”

The report also says she agreed the economic and social benefits, taking account of any potential minor effects on nearby centres, ‘are such to merit substantial positive weight’.