FAQ's
General
1. Is a new service facility needed here?
The site is located between Junctions 27 and 28 of the M25, between Brentwood and Epping.
National Highways called a meeting with all Motorway Service Area operators in Feb 2022 to raise their concerns over highway safety on the M25 East near Brentwood, asking operators to help provide a safe place for drivers to rest whilst travelling on the Strategic Road Network.
The proposals therefore respond to an identified need set out by the Department for Transport for a Motorway Service Area for both HGV drivers and general motorists in this key strategic location on the eastern side of the M25.
Car provision
1. How many car parking spaces are proposed overall?
831 car parking spaces will be provided, with around 100 of these spaces being High Power EV-ready charging bays from day 1.
There will also be around 20 caravan spaces, 25 motorcycle spaces, and 40 spaces for coaches.
2. How many EV charging spaces are proposed?
Brentwood Services will deliver around 100 new High Power EV charging bays from day 1, allowing EV charging spaces to be brought forward in the future as demand and grid capacity grows.
3. Will there be spaces for motorists with disabilities, or parent and child spaces?
We will be providing both disabled spaces and parent and child spaces, in line with policy requirements.
4. Will there be a petrol/diesel fuel-filling station for cars?
While Moto is committed to leading the national transition to electric vehicles, we are also fully aware many motorists will continue to need petrol and diesel fuel on the motorway network.
The proposals therefore include a conventional fuel filling station for cars on both sites, which will be smaller than those in operation currently to reflect the fact that when the site opens many more cars will be EVs.
HGV provision
1. How many HGV parking spaces are proposed?
Around 400 HGV spaces are proposed over the two sites, which will help address the critical local shortage of adequate HGV parking spaces. There will also be a space for an abnormal load HGV, as required through policy.
2. Will there be an HGV fuel filling station?
HGV fuel filling stations will be provided on both sites.
3. Are you providing facilities for alternative HGV fuels?
All HGV spaces will be designed to accommodate electric charging infrastructure in the future if this is required.
4. What facilities will be provided for HGV drivers?
While specific facilities will be determined at a later stage, facilities for HGV drivers will include high-quality showers, toilets, and food provision.
Highways and Access
1. Will the proposals affect traffic on the M25?
The new Motorway Services between Junctions 27 and 28 will primarily attract a proportion of existing passing traffic on the M25, instead of creating new trips as seen with other types of development. Therefore, there will be limited impact on traffic flows along the M25 itself.
2. How will you promote sustainable travel to the site?
We are keen to ensure that staff at the site travel to work as sustainably as possible. The planning application will be accompanied by a Travel Plan, setting out a range of measures to encourage green travel.
3. How will vehicles access the site?
The site access, internal roads, servicing and parking areas have been designed to safely accommodate all vehicle types as per good practice design guidance. The layout has also been tested with vehicle tracking software to ensure safe and efficient access for all road users.
Sustainability and Biodiversity
1. How will you ensure the site is built sustainably?
We are keen to ensure the site is as sustainable as possible and will be targeting a BREEAM Excellent rating for sustainable construction for the customer amenity building.
The amenity building will employ a variety of measures to reduce carbon emissions during construction and operation, such as a green living roof and highly energy-efficient building design.
We are also planning to install solar panels on the roofs of both the car fuel filling station and the HGV fuel filling station to generate renewable energy on-site.
2. How will the proposals enhance biodiversity?
We have ambitious Biodiversity Net Gain improvement plans, to be delivered on-site. This includes upgrading local woodland, hedgerows, and habitats. A significant area of the site will also be given over to nature, creating spaces for wildlife to thrive, including ponds, grasslands, and extensive tree planting.
Next Steps
1. When will you submit a planning application?
We will be submitting an Outline Planning Application to Brentwood Borough Council in the coming weeks after we have reviewed and analysed feedback from the local community and stakeholders. This website will be updated throughout the planning application process.
2. How can I get in contact with the project team?
Our team would be more than happy to answer any questions at our dedicated email address (moto-brentwood@devcomms.co.uk) or phone (0800 0803172).
If you would like to meet the team or find out more information in person, we will be holding a Public Exhibition Event between 3.30pm and 7.30pm on Monday 20th May at Noak Hill Victory Hall, Church Rd, Noak Hill, Romford RM4 1LD.
You can also provide detailed feedback via our online feedback form.