Lymm M6 service station eyed for major developments

The plans, submitted at the beginning of the month, include proposals for a large extension to the parking facilities at the services.

Currently, there are 314 car parking spaces and 305 spaces for HGVs - with an additional 30 spaces for staff - but the planned proposals would increase this to 608 car parking spaces and 368 HGV spaces.

Additional HGV parking spaces would be provided as a result of the plans wishing to 'incorporate the trees and undeveloped field situated to the north-east.'

The plans that have been submitted to Warrington Borough Council are the first documents that would see the developments get underway - known as an application to begin the 'screening process.'

This process will be used to determine whether the planning development is appropriate or not for the area.

According to the plans, if construction work should go ahead, the increased traffic of vehicles to the site is not anticipated to cause delays on the major motorways in the area, namely the M6 and M56.

The documents state that there will be minimal visual or noise pollution for residents in the area, with the nearest residential areas being 100 metres from the boundary of the site.

The highlighted land is being eyed for potential developments (Image: Maps)

Developers also suggest that the land being eyed for development provides 'limited ecological value.'

However, the plans do state that further investigations will take place on the site, as there are plenty of spaces that could provide roosting spots for bats, which are protected under law.

Among other investigations required - should plans go ahead - will be a Heritage Assessment, according to the Cheshire Archaeology Planning Advisory Service.

This investigation will: "Consider the likely effect of specific aspects of the development process on any features identified.

"This study will assist in defining the need for any further evaluation work and mitigation that may be required should the development proceed."

The plans look to expand the current provision for HGV parking (Image: Maps)

Regarding the creation of jobs, the developers say: "It is considered that the proposed development would be generally beneficial with regards to socioeconomic impacts, providing both short-term jobs at the construction phase and long-term permanent jobs during the operational phase."

The planned extensions are currently under consideration by the planning committee at Warrington Borough Council.