Two data centre buildings at Land to the East of Sundon Road B5790 and West of the A505, Houghton Regis

What was proposed

The application proposed two data centre buildings with a substation, parking, access, landscaping, technical plant and associated works.

“CB/24/03164/FULL LOCATIONLand to the East of Sundon Road B5790 and West of the A505, Houghton Regis PROPOSALConstruction of two data centre buildings, substation compound, car & cycling parking, access, landscaping, technical plant and associated works.”

Officer report

The site

The 8.7-hectare site is surrounded by roads within the strategic urban extension, with development, roads and open land around it.

“Site Location: The application site is an 8.7 hectare rectangular shaped parcel of land that is bound on all four sides by roads. The site falls within the strategic urban extension of North Houghton Regis Site 1, now referred to as 'Linmere' which benefits from outline planning permission. The land forms part of the Houghton Regis Sites 1 and 2 Strategic Commitment (referenced as Policy SC1), within the adopted Local Plan.”

“The Application: The application seeks the erection of two data centre buildings with a combined internal floorspace of approximately 51,300 sq. metres. As per the application form, the use would fall within Use Class B8 (storage and distribution). The development also consists of a substation compound that is centrally located along the southern boundary of the site with the data centre buildings situated on either side.”

Officer report

What officers advised

Officers recommended approval subject to conditions and a Section 106 agreement, concluding the proposal was acceptable in principle and on its assessed impacts.

“The application was considered at Development Management Committee on 2 July 2025 and Members resolved to approve subject to conditions (as amended by the late sheet), inclusion of a district heating network condition and completion of a Section 106 legal agreement. The S106 is being finalised and to date no decision notice has been issued.”

Officer report

Sustainability safeguards

Officers amended the sustainability condition to identify, evidence and retain the measures relied upon in assessing climate and sustainability effects.

“The points raised by the third party have been reviewed and considered as set out below: Renewable Energy and Sustainability Mitigation As set out in the original Officer’s report consideration was given to a series of sustainability and renewable energy measures, including on-site renewable energy generation and high energy performance standards to comply with policies in the Central Bedfordshire Local Plan, notably Policy CC1.”

“The purpose of amending Condition 24 is to ensure that the sustainability and climate change mitigation measures which materially informed the assessment of the proposal against Policy CC1 of the Central Bedfordshire Local Plan are clearly and enforceably secured through the planning permission. The amendment does not introduce new mitigation measures or impose additional policy requirements beyond those considered by Members as part of the original determination.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A Chalton parish councillor and the applicant’s agent addressed the committee before it considered the proposal.

The vote

Nine members voted for approval, with none against and none abstaining.

“That the Application be APPROVED subject to: 1. The conditions set out in the Officers report; and 2. An amendment to condition 24 to ensure scope is given to technological advancements. 3. An additional informative to monitor the heat island effect.”

“On being put to the vote 9 Members voted to approve the item, 0 members voted against approval and 0 members abstained.”

Minutes