There are currently plans in the making for a service station to be built next to the M25, between the M40 and M4 junctions near Iver Heath.

Following an approach from Welcome Break, Buckinghamshire County Council has entered into a commercial arrangement for land it owns.

Under the deal, Welcome Break would build and operate a motorway service area (MSA) and pay a rent for the land under a lengthy lease, providing the County Council with a 'long-term and secure' income stream.

In July 2019 the Bucks Free Press reported that there were plans submitted to build a service station between junctions 16 and 17, just east of Chalfont St Peter.

The plan caused local uproar but continues to be in the making.

If both plans are approved this would mean two service stations in a fairly close proximity to one another.

Read more of the plan for the service station near Chalfont St Peter click here.

The council stated that Highways England have confirmed the importance of a new services on this stretch of the M25.

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They said: "With driver fatigue a major cause of motorway collisions, the new MSA would provide a crucial rest stop and other facilities mid-way along the 44 mile stretch between South Mimms services to the north and Cobham services to the south.

This is currently the longest section of the M25 without a service area and one of the busiest for traffic."

Over 400 jobs would be created with the new project.

In terms of protecting the environment Welcome Break state that they're "committed to a sustainable project, which would include protection of ancient woodland, significant additional tree planting around the site, low level buildings with grass roofs, plus new nature areas, walkways and bridle paths for nearby communities."

The council also intend to create new adjacent woodland through a substantial tree planting programme that aspires to make the project 'carbon-negative'.

The land sits adjacent to National Grid and Scottish and Southern Electricity’s Iver Sub Station and Welcome Break believe this makes it ideal for a new MSA with capacity for electric vehicle charging points for all future road users and sustainable refuelling of all future vehicle types.

Welcome Break will develop detailed plans for the project over the coming months.

Once in place, the proposals will be presented to local communities in a public consultation before being submitted as a planning application.

Proposals are set to include an amenity building with a range of short rest and refresh areas, food and ancillary services with extensive electric vehicle charging and parking along with quick stop and overnight rest options for motorway users.

The plans - and those of competing sites - will be subject to planning approval, and the application process is expected to start following public consultation.

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The future Buckinghamshire Council, as the local planning authority, will be able to make a recommendation on the planning application, but as it is on Green Belt land determination of planning consent rests with the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Buckinghamshire County Council Cabinet Member for Resources, John Chilver, commented: “There is a real need for a motorway service area in this location and we believe this site will provide the opportunity to build a responsible, sustainable and forward-thinking facility, which would improve safety as well as create an income for the county and our residents.

"We also think it could give us a first step towards a much-needed relief road for Iver - something we've so far been unable to move forward."

Eugene Moore, Development Director at Welcome Break said: “This land will provide a much-needed service area along a busy stretch of the M25.

"It’ll improve safety, give drivers a much-needed break and provide economic opportunities locally – both through job opportunities and investment in the area.

"We’re looking forward to sharing our proposals in the coming weeks and look forward to hearing the views of local residents and community leaders.”