Major data centre public inquiry starts

The developer says the data centre and other infrastructure would be of national significance

A public inquiry has started that will be used to recommend to the government if a major data centre should go ahead.

Developer Manor Farm Propco Limited wants to use the 20.2-acre (8.2 hectares) green belt site in Slough for the data centre, a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), generators and other infrastructure.

The company appealed to the Planning Inspectorate after Slough Borough Council did not make a decision on the project. Manor Farm Propco has said it would be of national importance.

The eight-day inquiry at the council's Observatory House HQ will recommend a decision to the housing, communities and local government secretary Steve Reed, who will make a final decision.

Slough Borough Council said the site sits in a designated strategic gap between Slough and Greater London.

Wraysbury Reservoir sits to the site's south and open land is to its west. The Poyle Industrial Estate is located to its east.