Residents call on MP to back campaign against M25 service station plans-as they ask how much more greenbelt will be lost?

“All we are asking for is that our Green Belt is respected and protected for future generations.”

More than 50 residents attended a meeting last week as part of an ongoing campaign to stop plans for two large motorway service stations being built on Green Belt land near the M25.

The meeting, organised by the M25 (Northeast) Residents’ Association (NERA), took place at the Cricket Pavilion beside the Victory Hall in Noak Hill and brought together campaigners, local councillors and Brentwood and Ongar MP Alex Burghart.

NERA, which now represents more than 330 members, was formed in October 2024 to oppose plans by developer Moto to build two new motorway service areas between junctions 24 and 28 of the M25. Members say the proposals would “obliterate” a vital stretch of Green Belt that separates Brentwood from Harold Wood and Greater London.

During the meeting, residents urged Mr Burghart to support their campaign and to ask the Secretary of State to “call in” Moto’s application if Brentwood Borough Council indicates it may be minded to grant planning permission.

A statement from the association said:
“We’re grateful to Alex for taking the time to meet us. Our members made clear that we have the numbers, expertise and determination to continue this campaign. We hope he will now use his influence to ensure these inappropriate developments are stopped.”

The group says the scale of Moto’s proposed development would destroy valuable farmland and harm local wildlife habitats. Members also claim that National Highways has raised concerns about the project’s potential to worsen congestion around junction 28, one of the busiest stretches of the motorway.

NERA’s campaigners highlighted that Brentwood Borough Council previously advised Moto in 2024 that its plans were “inappropriate” for Green Belt land and inconsistent with both local planning policies and the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).

A spokesperson for NERA said:
“On at least six occasions, National Highways has warned that these service stations could have an adverse impact on the safe and efficient operation of the M25. Despite repeated changes, Moto has not resolved those concerns. This is not about meeting community needs — it’s about profit, at the expense of our countryside.”

Mr Burghart has previously expressed support for residents campaigning against the Thrift Solar Farm at Stapleford Tawney, describing the Green Belt as an important “green lung between London and Essex.”

Following this, members of NERA wrote to Mr Burghart to highlight the parallels between the two campaigns and to ask for similar support.

“It’s unclear whether he’ll support us in the same way,” said one committee member. “We know he’s only opposed to some forms of Green Belt development — but we’re hopeful that with the press and the strength of local feeling, he’ll agree to help us.”

The association says it will continue to campaign vigorously, supported by a planning expert and legal advisors, and that it is prepared to make formal submissions to the Planning Committee and, if necessary, the Secretary of State.

“This development is causing huge concern for locals and the impact on wildlife is vast,” said the group’s spokesperson. “All we are asking for is that our Green Belt is respected and protected for future generations.”

For more information about the campaign, visit www.m25nomoremsas.org.

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