Data centre campus at Former Ford Engine Plant Waterton Industrial Estate, Bridgend

“PROPOSAL: Hybrid planning Application seeking: outline planning permission for the development of a data centre campus (Use Class B8) including site preparation, new buildings and electrical substations and the accesses, infrastructure, spaces, facilities, landscaping, surface water drainage features and other works that will be needed to construct and serve the campus; and full planning permission for the first data centre and all associated works (EIA Development)”

“The hybrid Application comprises two parts: Full planning permission for the first data centre building (‘Building 1’/CWL41), together with the plant, infrastructure and landscaping associated with it and Outline planning permission for the development of the remainder of the data centre campus (including site preparation, new buildings, and electrical substations and the accesses, infrastructure, spaces, facilities, landscaping, surface water drainage features and other…”

“It is approximately 55 hectares (136 acres) in area and previously developed land which originally accommodated a former engine manufacturing plant and a series of smaller ancillary buildings, together with roads and infrastructure. Operations at the engine manufacturing plant site ceased in 2020 and the buildings have since been removed.”

“To the west lies Waterton Alderwood Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC), and the Brocastle Brook which is an area of woodland, with grassland beyond and the Lidl Distribution/Logistics Centre and a cluster of other commercial and industrial buildings. To the east, the site adjoins the remainder of the Waterton Industrial Estate with the residential village of Treoes lying further to the east (approx. 500m away).”

“RELEVANT HISTORY The extensive planning history for the site recorded on the Council’s planning Application system dates back to circa 1996 when consent was issued for a New Automotive Training Centre. The Bridgend Ford engine plant was originally built under a permission granted in 1977 (77/939 refers).”

“Construction of an electricity substation comprising transformers, switchgears and electrical equipment, new buildings and a communications tower together with surface water drainage features, fencing and lighting, access and hardstanding, landscaping and other associated works…”

“The proposed economic benefits have been demonstrated in the supporting ‘Economic and Well-being Benefits Assessment’ document. As such, it is expected that the Proposed Development on the former Bridgend Ford Engine Manufacturing Plant site will transform the vacant brownfield/previously developed site and will deliver a significant and strategic economic development project that will benefit Bridgend, the County Borough and the wider South-East Wales Region.”

“In summary, and in view of the use of the proposed buildings in association with the wider and continued operations of this important employment site, the proposed development is considered compatible and acceptable in principle, according with the general principles of Policies SF1, SP11, ENT2 and ENT5 of the Bridgend Replacement Local Development Plan 2024 and the Council’s SPG21 – Safeguarding Employment Areas.”

“RESOLVED: (i) That the Committee formally expressed its preference for all future reserved matters applications linked to this outline consent to be brought before the Development Control Committee for determination.”

“(ii) That the hybrid application be approved, subject to the conditions and amendments detailed in the officer’s report and amendment sheet.”