Subject to planning, the largest scheme will be built at junction 4 of the M42 near Shirley and will boast a rolling ‘green roof’ on the main amenity building.

The location of the 21.5-acre site means Applegreen plans to deliver a very compact scheme that does not require building significant new access road infrastructure in the Green Belt.

Under the plans, drawn up by architect Axis, the main parking area will cater for over 600 cars and 70 HGVs with separate fuel and parking for trucks and coaches. A new pedestrian bridge over the M42 will also be required.

Applegreen is expanding its operations after a successful IPO in June 2015 raised more than €90m on the Irish and London stock exchanges.

The firm is also in talks with Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council to build a motorway service area on the M3.

The facilities at the site, known as Kennel Farm, would include a service area amenity building and around 300 parking spaces.

Construction of the Shirley project would take around nine months

Aerial view of M42 amenity building and car parking