Data centre at Land At Tyn-Y-Caeau, Margam, Port Talbot

“The application seeks full planning permission for the redevelopment of land at Tyn-y-Caeau, Margam to accommodate a data centre (Use Class B8) with associated infrastructure, landscaping, parking and access works, together with the partial retention of the existing Tyn-y-Caeau building for ancillary use and the establishment of a power connection to the adjacent Western Bio-Energy Plant.”

“Summary In summary, the proposed development comprises the redevelopment of a 1.72-hectare brownfield site at Tyn-y-Caeau to deliver a data centre and supporting infrastructure, with ancillary use of the retained farmhouse, new access and parking, renewable energy connection, and comprehensive landscape and ecological enhancement works.”

“The site accommodates the former Tyn-y-Caeau farmhouse and two associated outbuildings - a single-storey annexe and a small detached barn - set within an enclosed area of hardstanding, grassland and scrub. The buildings are currently vacant. A private access driveway leads from the A48 in a left- in/left-out arrangement, bordered by a line of mature trees and hedgerow planting.”

“To the west, the site adjoins land occupied by the Western Bio-Energy Plant and the Margam Green Energy Plant, both forming part of the Longlands Lane industrial area. These large-scale energy and industrial facilities include associated infrastructure such as silos, flues, and plant buildings. To the north, the site is bounded by the A4241 Harbour Way, which connects the Port Talbot steelworks and dock areas to the M4.”

“A search of Council records indicates that the site and adjoining land have been subject to a number of historic planning applications relating to industrial and energy development around Junction 38, Margam.”

“Reference Proposal Decision Decision Date Notes internal access road and infrastructure. P2021/1255 Erection of a metal processing facility comprising processing plant, warehouse and store, office building, amenity building, laboratory, services building, substation and associated infrastructure (Margam Strategic Employment Site EC1/2). Approved 2022 Adjacent to the application site; surrounds the land on three sides (north, west and south).”

“The site lies outside of the defined settlement limits and therefore represents a departure from the adopted LDP, which seeks to direct new development to within or adjoining established settlements. It also lies adjacent to, but outside of, the designated employment allocation (EC1/10 – Margam).”

“The proposal aligns with the Welsh Government’s decarbonisation and digital infrastructure agendas, supporting the growth of low-carbon industries and data storage capacity in South Wales. The development will create specialist technical employment opportunities during both construction and operation, while contributing to local supply chains.”

“Welsh Government Transport Directorate No objections and no direction issued, subject to a directed condition regarding access arrangements onto the A48. NPT Highways No objections subject to standard conditions. NPT Drainage No objections. Confirmed that the drainage strategy is acceptable in principle, subject to separate approval under the Sustainable Drainage (SuDS) Approval Body (SAB) process prior to commencement.”

“NPT Environmental Health (including noise and air quality) Support the proposal and note alignment with the strategic objectives of the Swansea Bay City Deal and Welsh Government digital infrastructure policy. NPT Tree Officer No objection, subject to conditions controlling operational noise levels, generator testing hours, and dust management during construction. Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Authority No objection.”

“Neighbour Representation The resident raises objection to the proposal on the following grounds: • The site is considered inappropriate due to over-industrialisation in the Margam area, loss of green space, and proximity to Margam Crematorium, which they consider incompatible with a large-scale industrial use.”

“Adjoining Landowner Representation Margam Green Energy Ltd, operators of the adjacent biomass plant, have made representations raising the following points: • The proposed energy connection between the data centre and the biomass plant is shown to cross land outside the applicant’s control, including a private access road maintained by Margam Green Energy and land owned by the Welsh Government.”

“Officers made a presentation to the Planning Committee as detailed in the circulated report on Application No: P2025/0187 – Land At Tyn- Y-Caeau, Margam, Port Talbot - Erection of a data centre (use class B8) and supporting infrastructure, parking, alteration to access, drainage, landscaping and associated works.”

“RESOLVED: That in accordance with Officers’ recommendations, Application No: P2025/0187 – Land at Tyn-Y-Caeau, Margam, Port Talbot - Erection of a data centre (use class B8) and supporting infrastructure, parking, alteration to access, drainage, landscaping and associated works.”