THE public inquiry into controversial plans for a new Tebay-style motorway services on 39 acres of green belt land off the M56 begins in Knutsford tomorrow (Tuesday).

Tatton Services, which will include a new motorway service building with farm shop, a 100-bed hotel and filling station, is proposed for land between J7 and J8.

Cheshire East Council’s strategic planning board approved the application by seven votes to three at a meeting in October 2023.

But the Secretary of State has the final say because of the scale and nature of the proposal.

The inquiry, which is scheduled to end on October 25, has come about after the matter was ‘called in’ by the minister, meaning the project will now be assessed by the planning inspectorate.

The application has divided public opinion, with Cheshire East’s own planning officers noting in their report to last October’s meeting, it is ‘inappropriate development in the green belt’ but recommending approval on highways safety grounds.

The development will be modelled on the popular Tebay Services in Cumbria and Gloucester Services on the M5, owned by the Westmorland family.

Sarah Dunning, Westmorland chair and member of the family, told Cheshire East councillors last year: “It will create 325 jobs, it will support, we hope, 130 local farmers and food producers, it will promote Cheshire as a visitor destination.”

But objector Bill Dixon, who lives close to the site, told the meeting: “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.”

There were about 150 objections to the scheme when it went to the planning board a year ago, including from neighbouring Trafford Council, as the site is very close to its border.

Now, on the eve of the inquiry, Trafford Council has announced it has withdrawn its objection.

A spokesperson for Trafford Council said: “We originally objected to a new service station over harm to green belt and the sustainability of the location.

“However, very late evidence was submitted last week.

"This was a joint submission by the applicant and National Highways, which stated there was a specific need for the service station facilities on the grounds of driver welfare and safety, particularly HGV drivers.

“This was the first time National Highways had indicated there was a specific need. Had they done so earlier, we would have had a different position on the proposal.

“In light of the late evidence, it is now our view that welfare and safety benefits outweigh the harm and we have therefore formally withdrawn our objection.

“This decision was taken corporately, in consultation with senior officers and the relevant councillors.

“We will continue to take part in the inquiry to protect our position on planning conditions.”