Plans for a major Google data centre at the former North Weald Airfield near Harlow in Essex have been approved by the local council’s planning committee, paving the way for a large technology campus on the site. The decision could bring hundreds of jobs and significant economic investment to the area.
Epping Forest District Council agreed the outline planning application, which allows Google to demolish some existing buildings and construct two data centre facilities with associated offices, internal roads, parking and infrastructure.
The project is expected to create up to 780 local jobs and contribute around £79 million a year to the local economy, with a report to councillors estimating a total economic boost of £319 million nationally.
Google bought the 52-acre site from the council in January 2024 for £88.2 million, and the airfield continues to operate as an aerodrome with more than 40,000 movements a year.
Council members described the development as fitting with local planning strategy, though there are concerns about impacts on the popular North Weald Market, which could lose up to 100 stalls to parking space for the data centre.
The approval is subject to further conditions and contributions under planning law, which Google has yet to outline in full.
