A technology company intends to construct a data centre facility on the location of a former power generation station following council approval of the proposal.

The decommissioned Skelton Grange property in Stourton will undergo redevelopment after receiving the necessary planning authorization.

The development will include a data centre to accommodate computer servers, accompanied by a storage facility spanning approximately 15,000 square metres.

The scheme encompasses the installation of electrical infrastructure, emergency backup generators and cooling towers.

Members of the city’s North and East plans committee gave their unanimous endorsement to the proposal during their session on Thursday, April 23.

A document presented at the gathering stated: “Data centres host and support the digital infrastructure that underpins modern life, from patient records and e-mails to product data and financial systems.”

In 2024, the government classified data centres as critical national infrastructure, “putting data centres on an equal footing as water, energy and emergency services systems.”

Detailed planning consent was awarded for three data centre structures on the property adjacent to an existing Amazon distribution centre.

Outline approval, which provides consent in principle, was granted for the Microsoft storage facility. Specifics will be finalized through a reserved matters application.

Planning officers from the council advised that the development, situated close to Leeds City Centre and the M1 motorway, should receive authorization.

The approval includes requirements for an employment and skills initiative offering positions, apprenticeships and work experience placements.

Microsoft lodged initial proposals in September 2024 as discussions commenced with the council.

Local ward representatives and residents were engaged through pre-application consultations.

Information published on a website created for the Leeds initiative commented: “Local businesses, government, hospitals and schools rely on data centres every day to deliver your goods and services.”

The committee’s decision grants authority to the city’s principal planning officer to finalize the application.