Wiltshire Council has approved Ark Data Centres’ latest facility at its Spring Park campus, following a delayed decision and over 1,100 public objections centred on flooding, noise, and building height.
The development includes an 18.7-metre-tall data hall, extensive security infrastructure, new roads, and changes to public rights of way.
The decision had been delayed after campaigners raised concerns over flood risks and environmental impact. But planning officers and councillors have now backed the proposal, with the council insisting that mitigation measures will be put in place to address the most contentious aspects.
Councillor Adrian Foster, Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning at Wiltshire Council, said the number of objections and their substance had been considered carefully.
“These views were an important part of the decision making process and were carefully considered, alongside technical assessments and planning policy,” he said.
Flooding and visual impact dominate objections
Objections submitted during the consultation period highlighted concerns over flood risk, noise pollution from cooling fans, and the scale of the proposed building. At 18.7 metres high and 180 metres long, the structure will significantly alter the visual character of the site and surrounding area.
Opponents also raised questions about the cumulative impact of further infrastructure development in the area, with the Corsham campus already hosting multiple secure facilities.
The application was deferred in a previous planning meeting in late 2023 amid pressure from campaigners who argued that existing drainage and flooding risks had not been properly accounted for. The delay sparked criticism from Ark’s senior team.
Approval comes with conditions
Wiltshire Council confirmed that the project will be subject to a series of planning conditions, including detailed assessments of drainage and local transport impacts before any construction work can commence.
Foster said the council had sought to balance local concerns with wider strategic planning requirements and insisted the conditions would be ‘robust’ enough to mitigate adverse effects on local infrastructure and amenities.
Ark has said the new facility will support 87 jobs and represents what it calls a ‘strategic investment’ in the region. The company, which operates secure data centres serving government, telecoms and financial clients, employs staff with government security clearance and maintains a heavy physical security presence across its sites.
Despite the approval, the scale of local opposition is unlikely to dissipate quickly. The challenge now will be whether the agreed conditions, particularly those around drainage and environmental safeguards, will be enforced to a standard that satisfies the community.
