DC01UK’s application to build Europe’s largest cloud and AI data centre has been approved by Hertsmere Borough Council’s planning committee. 

The new data centre is set to span up to two million square feet near Elstree (Letchmore Heath) substation in Hertfordshire, benefitting from a 400 MVA power reservation from National Grid and proximity to major national and international fibre routes. 

Alongside future-proofing the UK’s cloud capacity, the development is expected to provide significant economic benefits, with a construction value of £3.75 billion and a projected £21.4 million in annual business rates once operational. 

Construction is set to generate around 500 skilled jobs, alongside 200 permanent positions and an estimated 13,740 indirect roles in the broader region. The development plans also include retaining more than half of the 85-acre grounds as open space, delivering a 10% net biodiversity gain, as well as investing in local transport upgrades and skills opportunities.

How long will it claim the title for? 

While DC01UK’s claim of being the largest data centre in Europe may hold up for a short while, it’s unlikely to hold the title for too long. Around the same time its planning application was submitted, Digital Reef proposed the construction of its own data centre, claiming to be ‘Europe’s largest’. That site is expected to be 175-hectares offering 3.55 million sq ft of new data centre floorspace. 

A spokesperson for DC01UK, noted, “We want to thank Hertsmere Borough Council for their open and pragmatic approach to DC01UK’s plans. They understand our ambition for both the project and the borough. It will bring huge benefits for local people through a stronger local economy, more skilled jobs and better opportunities. Our plans also include a raft of upgrades for local transport, including new and existing bus routes, expansion of the local cycle hire scheme and road improvements.

“This approval will also solidify Hertsmere’s status as a leading region in the South East as a tech and media superhub, complementing other established, large technology-driven organisations and film studios in the area.

“With planning for this important piece of Critical National Infrastructure now approved, the site stands ready to power the needs of tomorrow bringing a much-welcomed boost to the UK’s digital economy.

“Our plan will put Hertfordshire at the epicentre of the new data centre revolution, as well as creating £3.75bn for the economy during construction and almost 14,000 indirect jobs once operational.”

Sir Chris Bryant MP, Minister for Telecoms, added, “Data centres are the beating hearts of this modern age, powering the digital infrastructure that we can no longer live without.

“That is why I am thrilled to see that Hertsmere Council has granted planning permission to one of the largest data centre projects in Europe.

“Data centres like this will not only play a pivotal role in our AI Opportunities Action Plan, but drive economic growth through the creation of skilled jobs across the South East.”