Data centre redevelopment at 51 Bridle Road, Netherton

“Proposal: Demolition of all existing buildings and construction of a new building, comprising two two-storey data centre halls (Use Class B8 / Sui Generis), connected by a central three-storey block housing ancillary office floorspace and associated amenity and storage floorspace, alongside the construction of a new substation, relocation of the existing 11kV substation, and the formation of new internal access roads, parking, landscaping, boundary treatments and other…”

“The application seeks to redevelop an established employment site with two data centre halls, a linked office block, substations, and associated infrastructure.”

“The site comprises a corner plot bounded by Farriers Way to the north and west, and by Bridle Road to the south. It contains existing light-industrial buildings and a main office frontage, all of which have been vacant since 2011. The surrounding area is characterised by industrial and commercial units to the north, north-east and north-west and west and south, with residential development located further afield in all directions.”

“The most recent planning application relating to the site (ref: DC/2021/00747) sought permission for the erection of a three‑storey light‑industrial unit following the demolition of the existing building, the construction of a two‑storey link building along Farriers Way, external alterations to the existing three‑storey office building and industrial units fronting Farriers Way, and the erection of a substation with associated external works.”

“Permission was granted in 1980 for the development of the land by the layout of estate roads and the erection of factory units (ref. S/06211/02).”

“Taking all material considerations into account, including the site’s location within an established employment area, the policy support for digital and high‑technology infrastructure, and the detailed technical assessments submitted, the proposal is considered to comply with the relevant policies of the Sefton Local Plan, the adopted Bootle Area Action Plan, and the National Planning Policy Framework.”

“Recommendation – Approve with conditions subject to the signing of a section 106 legal agreement.”

“Overall, the design is considered acceptable and compliant with Policy EQ2 ‘Design’. The proposed materials and colour palette add visual interest while remaining sympathetic to, and consistent with, the established character of the surrounding industrial estate.”

“The nearest residential properties are located over 180 metres to the north-east, on Bridle Road and Hereford Drive, with further residential properties situated to the south-east on Hatherleigh Close and Roseworth Avenue.”

“- General environmental and climate impacts arising from the development. - Large power demand creating potential strain on the national grid. - Greenhouse gas emissions. - Large volumes of water required for cooling, creating pressure on local water resources. - Concerns about the waste of valuable resources, including energy and water. - Potential electronic waste generation and its management. - Potential groundwater contamination risks.”

“- Potential explosion and fire hazards associated with the technology or infrastructure. - Detrimental impacts on general public wellbeing. - Development could proceed without appropriate mitigation measures, creating future safety or environmental problems. - Enforcement challenges if issues arise. - Lack of an Emergency Evacuation Plan…”

“That the recommendation be approved and the application be granted subject to the conditions and for the reasons stated or referred to in the report and in Late Representations and subject to the signing of a section 106 legal agreement.”