Planning and next steps

The journey so far

The proposed motorway service area has been progressing through the planning process for a number of years.

The principle of development was established in March 2022, with subsequent work focusing on refining the proposals, responding to technical and environmental considerations, and progressing the detailed design.

2015 – Original planning application

Extra submitted an outline planning application to Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council for a new motorway service area alongside the M42.

The application set out the broad proposals for the site, including the facilities, landscaping and access arrangements.

2022 – Planning permission granted

Following a public inquiry, planning permission was granted on appeal in March 2022.

This established the principle of a motorway service area at the proposed location, together with an agreed framework for the development.

2026 – Amendments to the approved plans

In May 2026, Solihull Council approved amendments to the original permission.

These included changes to site levels, building heights, circulation arrangements and the approach to roof design, as well as updates reflecting the new M42 Junction 5a.

Detailed design and planning approval

Following the outline permission, Extra has continued to develop the detailed design of the motorway service area.

This includes the appearance of the buildings, their positioning, landscaping, parking and movement around the site.

These details are considered through a process known as Reserved Matters.

What are Reserved Matters?

Outline planning permission establishes that a development can take place and sets the broad framework within which it must be designed.

A Reserved Matters application deals with the detailed aspects of how that development will look and function.

For Solihull Motorway Services, this includes matters such as the appearance and scale of the buildings, landscaping and the layout of the site.

The application is considered by Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council through the formal planning process.

View the planning applications

The full planning history and associated documents can be accessed through Solihull Council’s online planning register.

Original planning application: PL/2015/51409/PPOL

Approved amendments (May 2026): PL/2026/00558/VARMJ

Reserved Matters application: [Insert application reference and direct link once registered]

What happens next?

Following the detailed planning stage, the project will move towards construction, subject to the necessary approvals, agreements and preparatory work.

Extra is currently targeting the commencement of construction in the first quarter of 2028.

This programme remains indicative and may change as the development progresses.

Information about significant milestones will be made available through this website, reflecting Extra’s commitment to clear and transparent communication as the project develops.