DEVELOPERS hoping to build a HGV fuelling site in the green belt in Lymm have officially appealed the decision to turn the plans down.

In a long running planning battle, developers were looking to open the facility on Cliff Lane, close to Lymm Fire Station and the truck wash which opened in 2019.

Scores of objections were sent to Warrington Borough Council over the initial scheme which was withdrawn last summer.

A second application was turned down in February with council planning officers saying the application was unacceptable.

Now developers have appealed that decision.

Residents complained about the environmental impact and highways risks of lorries driving further down the A50 to access the site when they left the M6.

In their report, planning officers said building in the green belt could not be allowed as Poplar 2000 services offers the same facilities on the other side of the road.

They added: "The extension to the existing truck wash business to expand queuing capabilities available for HGVs in this green belt location is considered to be inappropriate development in the green belt for which a case for very special circumstances sufficient to outweigh the harm to green belt openness, permanence and character has not been demonstrated.

"It is also considered to be encroachment into the green belt and contrary to the purposes of including land within green belt."

The report also said a 4 metre high fence planned to stop noise from affecting neighbours would be unacceptable.

Again, a large number of residents objected with many pointing to existing queues on HGVs exiting the M6 and trying to enter the services.

One stated: "The current road network (exacerbated by the convergence of major roads and the close proximity of several roundabouts) already struggles to cope with the existing traffic, particularly the HGV's attracted to the service station and the current truck-wash facility.

"There is no need for fuel bunkering at this site. The service station and fuel station is less than 100 metres from the site."

Now the developers have appealed the decision to government,

A planning inspector will now make the final decision.