Mega UK datacentre gets green light amid AI push
But the eventual occupier is a mystery
Outline planning permission has been granted for DC01UK’s new datacentre in South Mimms, Hertfordshire, marking a step forward in the UK’s push to bolster AI infrastructure.
Approved on 23rd January by Hertsmere Borough Council, the facility is poised to become Europe’s largest cloud and AI datacentre, encompassing up to 2 million square feet of space.
The timing of the approval coincides with the launch of the government’s AI Opportunities Action Plan, which highlights the critical role datacentres will play in the UK’s AI revolution. The Plan outlines long-term infrastructure needs, sustainability goals and security measures for AI developments
Set on an 85-acre site near the M25 and A1, the project boasts a power reservation of 400MVA from the National Grid and proximity to international fibre optic routes. Once operational, the site is expected to help address the UK’s cloud shortfall and meet growing AI demands.
Minister for Telecoms Sir Chris Bryant MP praised the development: “Datacentres are the beating hearts of this modern age, powering the digital infrastructure we can no longer live without. This approval represents a pivotal moment for the UK’s digital economy.”
Mystery surrounding the hyperscaler occupant
Despite the progress, the identity of the datacentre’s eventual occupier remains undisclosed. DC01UK has confirmed that discussions with a “known hyperscaler” are ongoing. Speculation surrounds major players like AWS, Google, Microsoft and Meta, although none have confirmed involvement (a common practice to ensure security).
DC01UK, which specialises in securing planning rights and preparing sites for development, assured speculators that interest in the project has been strong. However, final agreements and further announcements are pending.
The approval comes amid broader government efforts to streamline planning and energy provisioning for datacentre developments, following the classification of datacentres as critical national infrastructure in September. This reclassification has relaxed planning restrictions, making it easier to overcome local objections.
Power availability, however, remains a significant hurdle for the sector. The South Mimms site’s 400MVA power reservation, though secured, is not expected to connect to the grid until 2029.
Challenges like this have prompted the Labour government to propose “AI Growth Zones,” offering streamlined planning and accelerated power access to support the sector’s expansion.
While the project promises substantial economic benefits, concerns remain about its local impact. Critics highlight that large datacentres typically create limited permanent roles, with estimates ranging from 30 to 200 positions, depending on the facility’s size.
However, proponents argue that the site’s location on the outskirts of London places it ideally to meet Europe’s largest datacentre market demands, ensuring its strategic value for national and international stakeholders.