Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has stepped in to oversee the final decision regarding the controversial plans for a hyperscale data centre in Abbots Langley, which was initially rejected by the Three Rivers District Council.
The proposed data centre, equivalent in size to 12 football pitches, was intended to be constructed in a field adjacent to Bedmond Road and the M25. Despite the council’s refusal earlier this year, an appeal was made to the planning inspectorate in June, with a planning inspector scheduled to make a decision following a six-day process starting on October 8.
However, it has now been revealed that Deputy PM Angela Rayner, who also serves as the secretary of state for housing, communities, and local government, has ‘recovered’ the proposal along with another data centre plan. As a result, the inspector will not be responsible for making the final decision but will instead present a report and recommendation to Ms. Rayner, who will have the ultimate say on the matter.
The appellant, Greystoke Land, has emphasized the importance of large data centers in supporting economic growth and digital leadership in the UK. They argue that the proposed data centre is crucial, urgent, and of national significance, asserting that it would play a vital role in meeting the country’s data infrastructure needs.
In response to the council’s refusal, Three Rivers’ planning committee cited several reasons, including the site being located within the green belt without meeting the necessary “very special circumstances” required for development. Additionally, concerns were raised about the environmental impact of the data centre due to its size, potentially causing harm to the area’s character and natural surroundings.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves expressed support for the decision to recover the data centre plans, highlighting the potential economic benefits at both regional and national levels. Ms. Rayner has made it clear that she will carefully evaluate applications where the potential gains for the economy justify the development.
Labour’s manifesto emphasized the importance of removing planning barriers to data centres as part of the government’s industrial strategy. As the final decision rests with Deputy PM Angela Rayner, the fate of the proposed data centre in Abbots Langley now lies in her hands.