A £75 million 'new concept' service station on the M62 is poised to receive planning approval, despite objections from HS2 Ltd and concerns over green belt land. The development, proposed for land north of Junction 11 at Birchwood, is described by developers EA as combining world-class design with food, beverage, retail and hotel facilities.
Warrington Council's development management committee is recommended to approve the application at a meeting on June 9, subject to conditions and a section 106 planning obligation. However, HS2 Ltd has a holding objection due to the site overlapping with land designated for the future HS2 railway line. The company has indicated it will lift the objection if three specific planning conditions are attached to any consent.
The site lies in the green belt, but the applicant argues there are 'very special circumstances' to justify the development. Despite this, 16 objections have been submitted, citing noise, loss of green belt, and the availability of alternative sites. One letter of support was also received.
If approved, the service station will include parking for 536 cars, 105 HGVs, 16 coaches, 15 caravans or motorhomes, and 15 motorcycles. The developer says the project will create 97 construction jobs and 228 permanent jobs, with a capital investment of £75 million between 2021 and 2022.
