2 days ago
Plan to build new motorway services area beside M27
Planners are being urged to approve a multi-million-pound proposal to build a new motorway services area on the M27.
Welcome Break Group has submitted an outline application to transform more than 30 acres of farmland land next to junction 11 at Fareham.
The huge scheme incudes several food and drink outlets and almost 550 parking spaces, plus a children's play area and a dog walking zone.
A planning statement that accompanies the application cites the current shortage of facilities for drivers in the region.
"The absence of roadside service provision means the nationally prescribed safety and welfare provision for motorway/trunk road users is not being met."
Drivers on the M27 will be provided with a new motorway service area if the scheme is approved (Image: Newsquest)
The statement says the proposed development would create about 276 jobs once it was fully operational.
"A further 27-28 jobs are likely to be created or supported by indirect or induced expenditure - services bought-in to the application site, or spending outside the site by employees."
Citing the potential benefits of the scheme it adds: "The application should be approved without delay."
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Welcome has chosen a site on the northern side of the motorway next to the eastbound carriageway, but says the service area would also be accessible by westbound traffic.
The main building would deliver a raft of facilities including shops, toilets, and showers. A petrol station and a drive-thru coffee shop are also planned.
An aerial view of the proposed site, which is next to junction 11 of the M27 near Fareham (Image: Welcome Break/Google Earth)
A design and access statement says the scheme would help meet the safety and welfare needs of motorists using the M27 and connecting roads.
"The proposal would provide multiple food and drink offers and parking and fuelling facilities for both light vehicles and HGVs. Importantly, it would also offer much needed EV charging infrastructure."
Jobs would be created both during the construction and operational phases of the project.
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The planned development includes more than 50 EV charging points, plus 16 parking spaces for caravans, 16 for motorcycles, and 53 for HGVs. The scheme would also deliver seven coach bays.
Apart from an isolated property at Boarhunt Road, the nearest homes are said to be 320 metres away at Downend Road.
If the application is approved by Fareham Borough Council, a more detailed proposal would also have to be given the green light before work could start.
