A former colliery in South Yorkshire which has sat empty for over 30 years could be given a new lease of life if new development plans are approved.
The 44-hectare Smithywood Colliery, in Ecclesfield, Sheffield closed in 1972, but Sheffield Council's west and north planning board could approve proposals for a data center on the land on Cowley Hill and Nether Lane.
In 2001, the council granted planning permission for redevelopment for industrial and business purposes, but subsequent planning applications to build on the site have all been rejected.
According to the Yorkshire Post, work started on the site, a former colliery tip and coking plant, last summer. Construction company St Paul's Developments plans to build a data center comprising around 30,000 square metres (322,920 square foot) of floor space.