He said the affect on Altrincham and Hale town centres would be negligible, and there was a clear opportunity for local businesses “to benefit from the supply side benefits which arise from the proposal”.
Objector Bill Dixon, of Stop Tatton Services, told the hearing: “National Highways may be right in identifying a need for the motorway service area (MSA) in the area, but it isn’t at J7, because that plot of land has had as much infrastructure investment as it can take.”
Mr Dixon added: “I believe that the burden of proof here should surely be for the applicants to prove that this isn’t a destination in its own right.”
Brigit Green, from Trafford Green Party, said the party was disappointed Trafford Council withdrew its objection.
She said Tebay Services was “exceptional” and there was a worry that people from Altrincham, Bowdon, Hale, Knutsford and the surrounding areas may visit the services just “because the food is good and the shop is good”.
“And we think it will become a destination, which is a problem,” she said.
Two local business owners, farm shop owner Dominic Fenton and bakery owner Matt Townley, said local firms like theirs may benefit.
Tebay Services in Cumbria is regularly named one of England’s best services, with comedian Frank Skinner once saying that “if there was a road to heaven, Tebay Services would be the service station on that road”.
The planning inquiry is expected to end on Tuesday.
