Outline plans for huge Hertfordshire data center approved

Plans to build what is described as one of the largest data centers in Europe have been given the green light.

Hertsmere Borough Council’s planning committee has approved outline plans for the DC01UK development near the M25 South Mimms service station in Hertfordshire, which will cover 87,000 square metres.

Data centers are huge warehouses filled with computers that remotely operate services like streaming and artificial intelligence.

Council leader Jeremy Newmark described it as “a significant development for our borough”, although the project could take some years to complete.

Preparations are underway to build a data center in the UK Classified as critical national infrastructureSimilar to emergency services and energy and water supplies.

The developers said DC01UK will be “Europe’s largest cloud and AI data centre”.

Outline planning approval sets out the broad principles around the proposed development, but there will be further rounds of public consultation.

Newmark, Chairman of Hertfordshire Growth Board, said: “While outline planning permission has been granted, we will certainly continue to listen to and engage with residents about these exciting plans as more details are firmed up.

“As I’ve said before, I’m sure local people will see what great value this development can bring to our area.”

Peter Wain, chairman of the Hertfordshire branch of the Campaign to Protect Rural England, questioned the decision to pursue development on green belt land.

He said: “This is a huge potential development, it is the largest in Europe, and with the proposed 1,000 homes that will be built next door, there will be hardly any green belt between Potters Bar and the M25 at South Mimms.

“It may not be the most wonderful and beautiful green belt, but it is green belt… I admit it’s not the Lake District, but it’s land on our doorstep – it’s open space.”

Newmark responded: “As an authority we are not going to apologize for choosing the option that is for the benefit of local people and provides the vital infrastructure that our country needs to meet the Government’s national development mission. needs to be completed.”

A spokesperson for DC01UK said: “This approval will also strengthen Hertsmere’s position as a leading region… as a technology and media superhub, connecting with other established, large technology-driven organizations and film studios in the area. Will be complementary.

“Our plan will place Hertfordshire at the heart of the new data center revolution, as well as creating £3.75 billion for the economy during construction and approximately 14,000 indirect jobs once operational.”