Go-ahead for data centre on power station site

Microsoft has been given the go-ahead to build a major data centre complex at the site of a former power station.

Plans to redevelop the Skelton Grange site in Stourton, south-east of Leeds, were unanimously approved by Leeds City Council on Thursday.

The scheme includes three data centre buildings housing computer servers, as well as a warehouse with up to 161,000 sq ft (15,000 sq m), of floorspace.

Power connections, back-up generators and cooling chimneys are also set to be installed as part of the development.

A report to councillors, said: "Data centres host and support the digital infrastructure that underpins modern life, from patient records and emails to product data and financial systems."

The government classified data centres as critical national infrastructure in 2024, placing them "on an equal footing as water, energy and emergency services systems," the report added.

Full planning permission was granted for the data centre buildings on the site, which is close to an existing Amazon warehouse, with outline permission – which establishes consent in principle – approved for the warehouse.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service said conditions attached to the approval included the production of an employment and skills plan to provide jobs, apprenticeships and work experience opportunities.

The decision by the planning panel means final approval will now be delegated to the council's chief planning officer.

Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.