Cheshire East Approves Plans For New M56 Tatton Services
Plans for a new service station in Cheshire, including a 100 bedroom hotel and farm shop have been approved by Cheshire East Council. The Northwich and Winsford Guardian reports that the Tatton Services will be built on green belt land off the M56, despite some objections from councillors.
The application has attracted some public criticism, although there is also support for the plans. Tatton Services is an 80/20 partnership between the Westmorland Family and Tatton Group, who manage developments on the Tatton Estate.
Westmorland are behind the Tebay Services in Cumbria, which opened in 1972 to sell local farm produce. Its scenic location and reputation for high quality produce have made it more of a visitor destination in its own right than a motorway stopover point. The farm shop has a traditional butcher and it was named Specialist Food Retailer of the Year 2022.
Tatton Services look set to follow the same successful formula with a farm shop, plus overnight accommodation and a filling station. According to an application submitted to Cheshire East Council, the “proposed development offers a unique opportunity to deliver a host of benefits”.
“These include significant benefits associated with socio-economic impacts, quality design, biodiversity net gain, health and well-being, tourism and other benefits associated with sustainable design, habitats and species, the redevelopment of the existing farmhouse, a number of positive highways impacts, and improved pedestrian and cyclist connectivity.”
Sarah Dunning, Westmorland chair, told councillors: “Our idea is to transform what is a derelict farmstead into a vibrant business whose purpose it is to celebrate local farmers, local producers and communities. We design buildings to complement those already there.”
She added: “It will create 325 jobs, it will support, we hope, 130 local farmers and food producers, it will promote Cheshire as a visitor destination.”
Objector Bill Dixon, who lives close to the site, thought the new project was unnecessary. Mr Dixon said: “The scheme will have a severe economic impact on businesses in Knutsford and Altrincham and local Cheshire East villages… This isn’t a normal motorway services. The proposal is for a visitor destination, taking away business from local communities.”
But Terry Haywood, from the North Cheshire Chamber of Commerce, commented: “There is a need for an MSA from a safety and welfare perspective and for that reason alone I believe this project should be supported.”
Cllr Steve Edgar (Haslington, Con) said he was very protective of open spaces but ‘this to my mind isn’t really green belt anyway, it’s surrounded by motorways. The benefits that I can see – the local food, local jobs, agriculture, outlet for produce – substantially outweigh the negatives.”
However, the plans still face a final hurdle as they have been referred to the Secretary of State, who will have the power to make the final decision.
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