Data centre approved but developer owes £435k due to carbon emissions

Hillingdon Council has granted planning permission for the construction of a large data centre in Hayes. The proposal includes the demolition of the existing vacant warehouse to allow for the construction of the two-storey centre and its facilities.

The new data centre will be built in the Silverdale Industrial Estate on Silverdale Road in Hayes. The 1,914 sqm development will have several data halls, electrical plant rooms, offices, an emergency generator and a pumphouse.

The developers, Marvel Developments LLC, will have to make a number of financial contributions to Hillingdon Council totalling £535,328 for local services. This includes £70,024 for air quality mitigation due to the site's location in an 'air quality management area and £29,700 towards travel improvements. Despite approving the application, it failed to meet the London Plan environmental standards. Therefore, the developers must also pay £435,064 to offset carbon dioxide emissions.

The development is expected to support a number of jobs both during the construction and operation period. Planning documents describe 'highly skilled jobs' within the centre such as data infrastructure management, cybersecurity, and maintenance roles.

The site sits a short distance away from Hillingdon Borough Central Mosque. There were concerns raised that construction times may interfere with hours of worship for those who attend the mosque.

Vice Chair Councillor Adam Bennett asked: "The proximity to the mosque in terms of hours of worship and construction... would we normally look to restrict that to not disrupt worship?"

Planning officers present agreed with Cllr Bennett's concerns. As such, the construction management plan has been amended to minimise disruption to attendees of the mosque during hours of worship. The application received no local objection, and the committee voted unanimously in favour of the development.

Have a story you want to share? Email philip.lynch@reachplc.com

Don't miss out on the biggest West London news. Sign up to our MyWestLondon newsletter HERE for all the latest daily news and more.

Story Saved

You can find this story in  My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.