Data centre park at Land adjacent to Elsham Wolds Industrial Estate, North

The site and surroundings

The 176-hectare site is mainly open farmland beside an industrial estate, near homes, heritage assets, the Viking Way and strategic roads.

“ASSESSMENT Site and surrounds Location: The site lies approximately 1km north of the M180 and directly adjoins Elsham Wolds Industrial Estate. The nearest settlement is Elsham Village, about 1km west across the A15. It sits fully within Elsham Parish. Site characteristics: The site covers an area of approximately 176ha and comprises nine agricultural fields, mainly open arable land bounded by clipped hedgerows and small blocks of woodland.”

“…dwellings. To the north is rolling landscape extending towards the Lincolnshire Wolds National Landscape, although officers note the site is not contained within that landscape. Access and connectivity: Existing access points are from Middlegate Road (southwest) and from the industrial estate’s internal road network. The A15 provides strategic north– south links to Scunthorpe, the Humber Bridge, the M180 and wider national routes.”

Officer report

Planning history

No relevant planning history was identified for the site, and the proposal was submitted as outline permission with detailed matters reserved.

“All have been identified within the noise and vibration section of this report along with other receptors that overlook the site covered in the landscape and visual impact section. Constraints: Existing easements will need to be protected through the site, which route through the centre of the site in a northeast–southwest direction. Relevant planning history: None.”

Officer report

Main planning issues

The assessment identified major economic benefits but also landscape, heritage, agricultural land, transport, climate and environmental effects requiring mitigation.

“Air quality Construction and operational emissions not significant; no exceedance of air quality objectives; NE confirm no ecological AQ impacts Neutral (local) Biodiversity and BNG Baseline low ecological value; BNG achieved: +10.7% habitat, +13.99% hedgerow; protected species fully mitigated Moderate positive (local) Habitats Regulations Assessment Appropriate Assessment concludes no adverse effect on Humber Estuary SPA/Ramsar; NE raises no…”

“Traffic and transport Impacts acceptable at most junctions; Barnetby Interchange requires finalised mitigation; NH holding objection pending modelling updates Minor positive (regional) Water environment and flood risk Flood zone 1; low flood risk from all sources; SuDS compliant with climate allowances; Anglian Water objections resolved Neutral Materials and waste Waste hierarchy followed; construction/operational waste minimised; BREEAM Very…”

Officer report

Who spoke

An objector and a second objector spoke against the proposal, while the applicant’s representative and agent spoke in support.

What members debated

Members welcomed the investment and jobs but discussed effects on residents, the environment, consultation, further dialogue and possible on-site energy generation.

“Councillor C Sherwood then addressed the committee as the local ward member. He acknowledged that this was a complex and major application which presented opportunities for economic development, job creation and investment. However, it would also have an impact on several residents, stakeholders, the landscape and ecology of the area. Whilst an investment of this scale must be welcomed, the council could not dismiss its obligations to the wider community and the environment.”

“Councillor J Davison thanked the Planning Officers for an incredibly detailed and comprehensive report. He acknowledged that digital infrastructure was a key Government requirement and that it was clear the data centres would be built somewhere. Therefore, the opportunity to build a data centre in North Lincolnshire, with the associated benefits could not be ignored. The investment that the application would bring to North Lincolnshire was staggering.”

Minutes

The vote

A motion to grant permission in accordance with the officer recommendation was proposed, seconded and carried.

“It was then moved by Councillor J Davison and seconded by Councillor C Patterson –”

“That planning permission be granted in accordance with the recommendations contained in the Planning Officers report.”

Minutes