Data centre bid renewed

Blackmores Ltd this week had their planning permission in principal renewed for the 100 hectare, multi million scheme at Peelhouses – which it has been said could create thousands of jobs.
It comprises an internet data centre, business units, a technology park, horticultural research centre and visitors centre.
It was initially agreed by councillors in 2010 and again in March 2013 but that permission expired last year without any movement on site.
But members of the planning applications committee on Tuesday agreed that the developers can have another three years to get started.
In a report for elected members, case officer Andrew Robinson had said: “The proposal is a large and complex development requiring a significant amount of upfront investment to commence development including extensive preparation work, design work and further studies (including mitigation) which requires further time.
“The additional time would also allow the applicant to carry out further discussions to attract potential occupiers, which is a necessary prerequisite to move forward with confidence to implement the development. These reasons are accepted and it is also accepted that allowing further time to implement the development would not prevent development of any adjoining site.”