The Strategic Sites Committee of Buckinghamshire Council met on Thursday 30 July 2026 to discuss three planning applications. The committee approved the outline application for the Colne Valley Motorway Service Area (MSA) between M25 Junctions 15 and 16 near Iver Heath, and also approved the associated application for mineral extraction. The committee deferred a decision on the proposed MSA between M25 Junctions 16 and 17 near Chalfont St Peter, pending further information and a decision from the Secretary of State regarding Green Belt land.

Colne Valley Motorway Service Area and Mineral Extraction

The committee approved the outline planning application for the Colne Valley Motorway Service Area (MSA) and the associated application for mineral extraction. The MSA, located between M25 Junctions 15 and 16 near Iver Heath, will provide essential facilities for motorway users, addressing a recognised need for services in this area. The mineral extraction is considered an enabling works for the MSA.

Concerns were raised regarding the impact on the Green Belt, landscape, heritage assets, and the Iver Environment Centre. However, officers concluded that the proposed development, being located on grey belt land, would not be inappropriate in the Green Belt. The benefits of the MSA, including economic advantages and biodiversity net gain, were considered to outweigh the identified harms. Conditions and planning obligations were agreed to mitigate impacts, including measures for construction traffic management, biodiversity net gain, and contributions towards air quality initiatives.

Chalfont St Peter Motorway Service Area

The committee deferred a decision on the outline planning application for a Motorway Service Area between M25 Junctions 16 and 17 near Chalfont St Peter. This decision was made pending the outcome of a statutory process concerning the land's Green Belt status, which requires referral to the Secretary of State. The committee also requested further information regarding the applicant's sustainability strategy, particularly concerning water management and the potential for solar PV installation across parking areas. The deferral also allows for further discussion on potential S106 obligations related to the Iver Environment Centre.

The committee noted the significant objections raised regarding the proposal's impact on the Green Belt, landscape, and existing infrastructure, particularly the sewage system. While the applicant argued that the site's grey belt designation and the need for the MSA constituted very special circumstances, the committee sought further clarification on these points. The decision to defer will allow for a more comprehensive understanding of these issues before a final determination is made.