The government has designated a potential new data centre, to be built on a former clay excavation pit in Stewartby, a “development of national significance”.
The designation means a final decision on whether to accept the application will be made by the government, rather than the local council.
Greater data needs
Estimates suggest we use up to 2.5 times more data per month now than five years ago. We stream more TV and film content online, and use mobile data for everything from surfing to streaming content.
Online gaming has also become prevalent. As well as being able to play cosy games on mobile phones, players can play 10p roulette and spin slots at online casinos.
Even the casinos themselves have started offering live streaming games.
All of this increased activity, as well as an increase in cloud computing and AI development, means the country needs more data centres to be able to cope with the load.
The role of data centres
Data centres house hardware like high-powered computers and servers.
They are used by individuals and companies to store data ranging from personal photos to email and customer relationship management systems. For years, there have been concerns that the UK does not have enough data centre capacity.
However, it can prove difficult for developers to get permission to build new facilities. In neighbouring Buckinghamshire, for example, the government U-turned on a 7750,000 square-foot data centre application earlier this year.
However, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has given some hope of a new plant being built in Bedfordshire.
Last week, the MHCLG determined that the site, located in Stewartby, close to the site of the upcoming Universal Theme Park, is a development of national significance.
This designation means they will make the decision, rather than the local council.
The data centre application
The application was submitted by Questpit Ltd, which is proposing the installation of a 720MW data centre. It would be one of the most powerful centres in the country, and would help ease some of the load.
The application also includes plans for training facilities, offices, and a gas-generation site to power the facility.
Questpit claims the project will generate between £46m and £73m to the economy, and yield up to £29m in taxes.
Around 1,000 jobs are expected to be created. In being classified as a development of national significance, the application should be processed sooner.
However, the MHCLG stated that there was no evidence Questpit had engaged with any parties other than National Gas.
It went on to say that Questpit Ltd would need to undergo further consultation, especially regarding planning permission, and it would not make a final decision until required consultation had been completed.
The site was previously used as a clay pit, but it ceased operation in 2008.
In 2023, an application to turn the site into a film studio was accepted, but the company behind the development went bust, and the plans were scrapped at the start of 2025.
By Matt Winter
Advertising feature with Betfair
