FAQs

What is being proposed?

  • Long Lane Data Centre is a proposed cloud data centre campus at Lower Mount Farm Industrial Estate, Long Lane, in Cookham

  • It would include a data centre building, supporting office space, cooling and electrical equipment, internal roads, drainage, security infrastructure and extensive landscaping

  • The proposals also include a publicly-accessible wildlife park, a community orchard, new habitats and ponds

What is a cloud data centre?

  • A cloud data centre is a secure building containing computer servers, storage systems and communications equipment

  • It allows businesses, public bodies and individuals to access computing power, software and data storage through secure networks and the internet

  • Long Lane Data Centre would principally provide infrastructure for cloud services

What is currently on the site?

  • The site is currently an industrial estate.

  • It is currently used for a car body workshop, a commercial printer and a reclamation yard.

  • The site is private and is not currently available as public open space

Why does the data centre need to be here?

  • LLDC is close to the established date centre and fibre infrastructure of the Slough Availability Zone

  • Cloud data centres require fast and reliable connections to other facilities so that data can be backed up, workloads can be shared and services can continue if an individual facility experiences an interruption

Is the site in the Green Belt?

  • Yes, the site is in the Green Belt. However, it is defined as an established employment site within the Green Belt, and meets the requirements for development on sites identified as grey belt

How will the project be climate neutral?

  • Long Lane Data Centre will run on 100% renewable or zero-carbon energy.

  • A detailed energy and carbon strategy will be submitted with the planning application. It will set measurable requirements for energy efficiency and electricity sourcing.

  • LLDC’s buildings will also target an excellent or outstanding BREEAM rating, which sets high standards for reducing carbon emissions throughout the project’s lifecycle, from construction to operation and end-of-life

  • The commitments will be secured through enforceable planning conditions and, where appropriate, legally binding planning obligations

How many jobs will be created?

  • The completed campus is expected to create approximately 75 permanent operational and support jobs

  • Construction would also support substantial employment across construction, engineering, utilities, communications, logistics, landscaping and professional services

Will local businesses benefit?

  • A local procurement and supplier-engagement programme will be developed

  • All contracts would remain subject to competitive procurement and appropriate capability, quality and safety requirements

Will training be provided?

  • The project team intends to work with local schools, colleges, universities and skills providers

  • The programme is expected to include apprenticeships, technical training, work experience and careers engagement

What will the park include?

  • The proposals include a picnic area, grassland, hedgerows, ponds, wetlands, habitats and walking routes

  • The detailed design will be informed by ecological surveys, landscape assessment and public consultation

Will the park be open to the public?

  • The park south of Long Lane will be accessible to the public

  • Access arrangements will need to protect wildlife, visitor safety and the security of the operational data centre

Will construction cause disruption?

  • Some disruption is unavoidable during a project of this scale

  • It would be managed through a construction management plan covering traffic, noise, dust, working hours, lighting, drainage and communication with local residents and businesses

Will the data centre operate continuously?

  • Yes. Cloud data centres normally operate 24 hours a day because the services they support need to remain available

  • Deliveries, maintenance and other activities would be managed through operational plans and planning controls

Is this a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project?

  • The project is nationally important because of its investment and contribution to the UK’s digital infrastructure

  • However, it will be brought forward through a planning application under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, rather than through a Development Consent Order

Who will determine the planning application?

  • The application will be submitted to the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead as the local planning authority

  • The Council will assess the proposals and determine them through the procedures applying to a major planning application

Who is behind Long Lane Data Centre?

  • Long Lane Data Centre Limited is owned by Greystoke.

  • Greystoke is a UK-based digital infrastructure company specialising in masterplanning and delivering major data centres and related technology projects

How can I comment?

  • Comments can be submitted through the contact form on this website

  • Details of public consultation events, consultation documents and the formal planning application will be published as the project progresses