about the service's construction was that the area was to be built on part of the green belt area for Cobham, However, as the whole of the M25 is situated within the green belt, the Secretary of State John Prescott overruled this objection as there was what he called a "clear and compelling need" to have a service station in the south west section of the M25.

[7] As with a number of modern service stations, many have an ecological aspect such as a sustainable drainage system, rain-harnessing or a renewable energy source.

The swales (marsh areas) are less complex and drain water directly into the ground, they are surrounded by vegetation.

Vegetation which is around the service area and its drainage system, helps to absorb harmful substances to the environment and clean water in the infiltration trenches, swales, retention basins and around the site.

The speed limit was reduced to 50 mph, and a temporary carriageway was set up, diverting traffic past the construction site and back onto the motorway.

The 50 mph speed limit took place on a short section of the westbound carriageway, where construction traffic was accessing the site.

[citation needed] On 10 August 2012 an opening date of 8 September 2012 was announced, later than expected due to poor weather delaying the final phases of construction.