Extra MSA Group has finally been given permission to build Chiltern Chalfont Services between junctions 16 and 17 of the M25. Buckinghamshire Council’s Strategic Sites Committee reluctantly approved the plans after changes in government policy.
The original application dates back to 2023. In November of that year, a planning inspector said there was a clear need for services in that area of the M25 but refused permission for Extra MSA’s proposed scheme.
Following this there were revised plans submitted and consultations held. A major concern was the development’s impact on green belt land. However, since then changes to national planning policy mean the site remains designated as green belt but has now met the government’s definition of “grey belt” land.
At the Strategic Sites Committee meeting, one councillor said he understood the objections but the committee had to go by the government’s current planning rules. Another councillor said he reluctantly supported the application but called for ‘robust requirements’ around litter and waste collections.
Extra MSA Group’s plans include a 24-pump filling station, parking for up to 759 cars, 190 HGVs and 19 coaches, along with EV chargers, landscaping and drainage infrastructure. There will also be a two-storey services building containing a food court, retail space, business facilities, toilets and washing facilities.
The company said the development would create approximately 674 jobs during its two-year construction and 244 jobs once open.
