Data centre approval could create almost 400 jobs

Almost 400 jobs will be created after plans for "one of Europe's largest data centres" were approved, a council said.

The development on land by the A180 near South Killingholme could lead to £3bn being invested in the area, according to North Lincolnshire Council.

The Humber Tech Park would have the storage facility spread across 3,326,048 sq ft (309,000 sq m), including three large buildings, offices and a horticultural glass house.

The council said it would make "the area a leader in artificial intelligence (AI)".

As well as the data centre, the complex would include other offices, generators, an electricity substation, car parking and security fencing.

Plans also include a shared footpath and cycleway on Habrough Road to link into the existing shared A160 cycleway.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the scheme had attracted objections from villagers about building on greenfield land, noise and an increase in traffic.

Council leader Rob Waltham described the development as "a massive vote of confidence in North Lincolnshire’s economy".

“This is an unprecedented investment in the area, and it will be a magnet for attracting other high-tech businesses to make North Lincolnshire their home," he said.

“The 400 jobs would be highly skilled and highly paid, averaging around £50,000 a year for operational employees.

"This will mean residents from our area who usually need to move to the city to access this type of work will now be able to access these well-paid jobs in the technology sector on their doorstep.

"More will be employed during the construction phase."

The council's planning committee granted outline permission.

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