At a glance
Long Lane Data Centre would provide secure computing, storage and communications infrastructure to support cloud services across the UK.
A much-needed cloud data centre
An existing industrial estate site
The proposed site is Lower Mount Farm Industrial Estate, south of Cookham. The site is currently used for a range of purposes including vehicle storage and repair, a scaffolding yard and waste recycling
£750 million of investment
Long Lane Data Centre would represent a major private-sector investment in UK digital infrastructure
High-quality permanent jobs
The data centre is expected to create approximately 75 operational and support jobs, alongside many construction roles and wider supply-chain opportunities
Climate neutral operation
Climate neutral operation will be secured through legally-binding planning obligations
New park
The proposals include extensive landscaping and biodiversity enhancements. The parkland could include a picnic area, ponds, wetlands, new habitats and publicly-accessible walking routes
Need
What is a cloud data centre?
Everyday digital services that live “in the cloud” require physical buildings and equipment.
A cloud data centre is a secure facility containing computer servers, data-storage systems and high-capacity communications equipment.
It provides computing power to people, public bodies and businesses.
Cloud data centres support services including:
online banking and payment systems
business software and file storage
healthcare and public-service systems
websites and mobile applications
video calls and remote working
online retail and logistics
streaming and entertainment
artificial intelligence and data analysis
Why is more cloud capacity needed?
Cloud services have become part of the basic infrastructure on which the UK economy and public services depend.
People use cloud infrastructure whenever they access online accounts, applications, documents or entertainment.
Public bodies use secure digital infrastructure to operate essential systems and deliver services.
Businesses use the cloud to communicate, manage information, process payments and provide services to customers.
Providing more cloud capacity in the UK would:
strengthen the resilience of essential digital services
increase the capacity available to people and organisations in the UK
provide infrastructure for innovation and new technology
support business growth and productivity
help retain digital investment in the UK
reduce dependence on infrastructure located overseas
Why this location?
The Slough Availability Zone
Long Lane Data Centre is within the Slough Availability Zone, Europe’s most established and internationally-recognised cluster of cloud data centres.
Cloud data centres require low latency connections to other cloud data centres. This is so data can be backed up, computing workloads shared, and services continue if one data centre is disrupted.
To do this, new cloud data centres like LLDC must be close to existing data centres and communications infrastructure.
Developing LLDC at Lower Mount Farm Industrial Estate would allow the data centre to connect to other data centres in the region, while also providing enough land for the data centre buildings, landscaping, parks and supporting infrastructure.
Lower Mount Farm Industrial Estate
The proposed site for Long Lane Data Centre is currently in operation as Lower Mount Farm Industrial Estate, where activities include:
vehicle repairs and storage
scaffolding yard
waste recycling
LLDC would provide a carefully-designed long-term use for the site. Substantial areas south of Long Lane would be used for a publicly-accessible park, biodiversity enhancement and habitat creation.
A grey belt site
The site is previously-developed land and meets the requirements for grey belt development. The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead will consider the status of the site and the planning merits of the proposals when the planning application is submitted.