Developers are trying again to get the go-ahead to build a huge new service station alongside one of the busiest motorways in Europe after their previous plans were rejected.
Extra MSA Group has been trying for years to get a new motorway services built along the M25 between junction 16 and 17, first putting forward plans for Warren Farm, near Chalfont St Peter, in July 2019.
But last year, they complained that Buckinghamshire Council was taking too long to make a decision, and they submitted an appeal to the Planning Inspectorate.
In another blow for Extra MSA Group, the Planning Inspectorate said the plans would be harmful to the Green Belt and rejected them – but they have now submitted fresh plans after consulting with the public on another “compact” site on the east side of the M25 instead of the west side.
An ‘outline’ planning application has now been submitted to Buckinghamshire Council, which reveals further details about what could be built.
The developers, who also run the award-winning Beaconsfield Services at junction 2 of the M40 nearby, say they want their new, predominantly single-storey service station to be a “calm and tranquil space” where drivers can stop and “relax” and “unwind and recharge” during long journeys.
While the application is only outline and therefore doesn’t have detailed designs of how the service station will look, Extra has revealed it would have all the necessary facilities – retail and food and drink outlets, as well as a fuel filling station, up to 759 car parking spaces, 20 electric vehicle charging bays and 23 motorcycle spaces.
There will also be up to 142 HGV parking spaces and up to 23 caravan spaces and 19 coach spaces.
The services building itself will have a domed and curving green roof to try and “visually merge” it into the surrounding hills, with a leaf shaped window, while the front will have a glazed entrance to add more light in.
They want to take inspiration from the Chilterns, using timber and flint.
Inside there will be space for 11 different retail or food outlets, with all of them facing inwards towards a central oval-shaped seating area and atrium with some kiosks in the middle as well.
Some of the units will also have outside space for seating, with plans for planter beds and trees to “instil a calming environment”.
They also want to build a bridge over the M25 that they say will be “aesthetically pleasing”, which will allow access to the services to drivers on both sides of the motorway.
In planning documents, Extra say their new proposals have taken on board the criticisms that were levelled at the previous Warren Farm plans and have addressed all the concerns.
However, there has already been an objection from a concerned local. Karen Bradley, who lives in West Hyde, said residents are already “putting up with an awful lot here… noise, air pollution and environmental catastrophes”, considering the site is close to the HS2 portal construction.
She said: “I feel we have done our bit and should not have to suffer more noise, air pollution and environmental issues from a service area in addition to a fast rail service.
“I implore you to please think of people in this proposal, and put it at junction 15/16. I know it is near the M40 one at Beaconsfield, but that is still not the M25.”
You can view the plans using the planning reference PL/22/1411/OA at the Buckinghamshire Council planning portal.
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