Organisations in Cheshire have had mixed reactions to a proposal for new motorway services off the M56 - which would include a farm shop and a 100-bed hotel. The proposal for Tatton Services on the land between junctions seven and eight is due to go before Cheshire East Council planners on October 26.
It is the brainchild of the Westmorland Family and unlike most other services, doesn't rely on known franchises - but its own farm shops and kitchens. A statement on the Tatton Services website reads: "Our vision is to build on the distinctive model that Westmorland operates, responding to the unique locality of East Cheshire to create a truly sustainable business which is ready to embrace a different future of food, buildings and travel."
It claims its business model 'supports local farmers and food producers' and 'designs buildings sensitively within their environment and aims to be a responsible employer and make a meaningful contribution to its communities.' The statement continues: "Our aspiration for Tatton Services is create a site which goes well beyond the requirements of a business in this industry in terms of energy generation and consumption, embodied carbon of our buildings, sustainable drainage and enhanced biodiversity."
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The services will provide electric vehicle charging infrastructure and will also create a 'fuel barn' instead of a traditional fuel forecourt, along with a farm shop and kitchen and a 100-bed hotel. The planning application was submitted to the council back in March - and the response has been mixed.
While some organisations support the proposal and believe it would deliver economic benefits, others are concerned that the development will increase traffic and could negatively impact residents' health. Many people have written to the council to outline their opposition to the proposal.
Most bemoan the loss of green belt land as well as the increased traffic, while others believe another service station is not needed due to the close proximity of both the M6 services at junction 19 for Knutsford and the Lymm Interchange, reports CheshireLive.
A group representing High Legh Primary School Teachers and Governors said: "The site, with a farm shop and hotel, would draw customers from far afield, many of whom would come to it as a destination in itself, not as a stop-off point on route to somewhere else. This is very likely to lead to a significant increase in traffic on the local road network.
"The inevitable increase in traffic would increase air pollution which is already a very significant issue in the local area, affecting residents' health. Currently in this area, the annual average levels of three air pollutants (PM2.5, PM10 and NO2) exceed World Health Organisation limits.
"The current annual average PM2.5 level in this area already increases local residents risk of stroke, asthma, as well as jeopardizing lung function and promoting cancer. A further increase in PM2.5 pollution, due to an increase in traffic flow, would further damage the health of local residents and school children.
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"The very considerable loss of Green Belt land which is an important safe space for nature in an already vehicle-dominated area. The detrimental damage caused, by extra noise and air pollution, to the Rostherne Mere SSI Ramsar site. The increased risk of flooding into the Mere due to construction and impenetrable hard standings.
"The proposal is an out-of-town retail park disguised as a motorway services area. Indeed, the Tebay business model is focused on providing a new customer destination. This would take much-needed custom away from nearby retail towns, such as Lymm, Knutsford and Altrincham.
"As there are nearby services located on the M6 at Knutsford and Lymm Services on M56/M6 (just seven and a half miles away), another motorway services located so close to the existing ones would be against the recommended minimum distance between services. In summary, it is an unnecessary development which would be detrimental to local residents' health, the environment and existing retail areas in local towns."
Moto Hospitality, which owns and operates Knutsford Services, claimed the proposal was too close to existing services. It points to the new facility that will be created at junction 11 of the M62, which was given the go ahead after an appeal in May.
An objection submitted on behalf of Moto Hospitality, which owns nearby Knutsford Services on the M6, said: "The Applicant presents a limited case that there are gaps in provision, which relies upon ignoring existing facilities and using unrealistic route choices that do not relate to ‘real world’ situations. The work also needs to be updated in light of the Warrington MSA permission.
"Where a gap has been identified, the distance threshold is only marginally greater than the 28 mile threshold. In light of this, there is no need for the MSA and no justification that a need on safety grounds would outweigh the harm to the Green Belt. In such circumstances the local planning authority cannot conclude that very special circumstances exist."
But those who support it point to the economic benefits it could bring along with the Westmorland Family's track record in delivering similar services. Cllr Charlotte Leach, who represents Mobberly on Cheshire East Council, said: "I am writing in my capacity as the elected member for Mobberley Ward in support of the application for Tatton Services.
"The applicant undertook thorough engagement with myself and the local community on the proposals at an early stage and I am confident in the vision for the site that has been outlined in the application documentation. This development would create new jobs, support local businesses and deliver real economic and social benefits to the area. Westmorland has a proven track record and a unique business model that will be a huge asset to the local area.
"The Tatton Group is also a key stakeholder with passion for our shared local community. This is exactly the type of high quality development we should be supporting in Cheshire East."
The Economic Development Service team at Cheshire East Council also supported the proposal. According to its response, the team has had several meetings with Westmorland about the plans. The response said: "From these discussions, it is clear that the proposed development, including refuelling station (including EV charging), farm shop, restaurant and hotel, will bring significant economic, social, environmental and sustainability benefits.
"Westmorland Group have an excellent reputation and track record of operating unique Motorway Service Areas (MSA) with a strong focus on sustainability and community benefit. Westmorland were the first family run motorway services on the UK roads, with the opening of Tebay on the M6 in 1972.
"They continue to run all MSA operations with no franchises or fast food on their forecourts. Instead, support local food producers within a circa 30 mile radius of the operation, selling local produce through the food service operation and onsite farm shop. Westmorland Group has demonstrated to the economic development service an aspiration to source and showcase local produce to sell within the proposed farm shop and restaurant, creating significant economic benefits to local suppliers.
"If the application is successful, the economic development service will work with Westmorland Group, to put in place a supply chain development programme to give local producers an opportunity to supply local produce within the Tatton Services farm shop. Westmorland Group are are also very keen to create employment and training opportunities to young people from the local community."
More information on the planned Tatton Services can be found on the dedicated website. The planning application can be viewed by searching for reference number 22/0872M on the Cheshire East Council planning portal online.
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