Plans for a 320MW UK data center, which developers claim will be the largest of its kind in Europe, have moved a step forward.
The DC01UK campus in Hertfordshire will be built on 85 acres of land adjacent to the M25 motorway, to the east of the South Mimms Services.
Announced last year, the scheme was given the outline planning permission by Hertsmere Borough Council’s planning committee at a meeting on Thursday, January 23. DC01UK will now need to submit a more detailed planning application fleshing out its plans, which will also need the council’s approval.
A spokesperson for DC01UK said: “This approval will solidify Hertsmere’s status as a leading region as a tech and media superhub, complementing other established, large technology-driven organizations and film studios in the area.
“With planning for this important piece of critical national infrastructure now approved, the site stands ready to power the needs of tomorrow bringing a much-welcomed boost to the UK’s digital economy."
Hertsmere Borough Council had already announced its support for the project, which is expected to cost £3.75 billion ($4.65bn) and support 500 construction jobs, as well as 200 permanent roles. DC01UK hopes it will be up and running by 2029.
Cllr Jeremy Newmark, leader of Hertsmere Borough Council and chair of the Hertfordshire Growth Board, said the scheme was a “momentous development” for his borough.
“The project, which is aligned with the council’s vision, is set to deliver hugely significant growth and economic benefits for the area, creating jobs during and after the construction phase, as well as new businesses,” Newmark said. “This news clearly reinforces Hertsmere’s status as an extremely attractive location for business and industry, with a reputation that is getting even stronger.”
DC01UK said the site already has a power reservation of 400MVA from the National Grid due to its proximity to the Elstree (Letchmore Heath) substation. The company said that, as part of the build, it will invest in local amenities, funding the expansion of a cycle hire scheme and paying for upgrades to bus routes and footpaths.
News of the development has been welcomed by the UK government, which is on a mission to attract more data center operators and has vowed to change planning laws to make it easier for digital infrastructure to be built.
Sir Chris Bryant MP, minister for telecoms, said he was “thrilled” to see the project given the go-ahead.
“Data centers are the beating hearts of this modern age, powering the digital infrastructure that we can no longer live without,” Bryant said.
“Data centers like this will not only play a pivotal role in our AI Opportunities Action Plan, but drive economic growth through the creation of skilled jobs across the South East.”
