Plans for a 24-hour M4 service station at Junction 16 near Royal Wootton Bassett advance
Wiltshire Council backs £30 million facility to fill motorway service gap
Plans for a new 24-hour service station at Junction 16 near Royal Wootton Bassett have advanced, with Wiltshire Council granting outline planning permission last week.
The £30 million facility, proposed by Moto, aims to bridge a 32-mile gap between Membury and Leigh Delamere on the M4, facilitating safer operations on the strategic road network.
This approval follows the Strategic Planning Committee's initial endorsement in February.
The proposed service station boasts facilities for 240 cars and 63 lorries, providing a crucial rest stop amidst government targets for HGV rest stops every 14 miles and full motorway areas no more than 28 miles apart.
To accommodate the increasing demand for electric vehicles, the site will feature 50 EV charging spaces "from day one," alongside provisions for caravans, coaches, motorcycles, and free parking limited to two hours.
The development is positioned south of the M4 and east of the motorway junction, accessible from a new roundabout on the B4005 and serving both east- and westbound traffic.
Originally conceived as a truck stop, the scheme evolved into a general rest area, expected to create 150 jobs.
Further planning approval is needed for the site's scale, layout, external appearance, and landscaping before Moto can commence work.
During earlier planning debates, Cllr Howard Greenman highlighted the constant capacity issues at the nearby HGV Pit Stop at Junction 17.
David Berkey, Moto's group acquisition manager, underscored the utility of facilities like these for HGV drivers, providing rest, refuel opportunities, and addressing local parking shortages.
Despite these advantages, concerns have been raised regarding potential impacts on residents of the nearby Gypsy and Traveller site.