Google has applied for planning permission to develop a large data centre on a 52-acre site at North Weald Airfield in Essex, following its purchase of the land for approximately £1.7 million per acre (£88.4 million total).
The proposed development includes two data centre buildings, offices, and an on-site substation, totalling over 830,000 sq ft of floorspace, while the existing airfield operations are set to continue.
However, the local North Weald Bassett Parish Council has formally objected to the plans. Concerns include potential noise, glare from solar panels, and the impact on airfield operations. The council also raised issues about safety and security risks associated with a proposed viewing bund outside the secure perimeter, and the potential threat to the character and setting of the Grade II-listed Air Control Tower, which they say could be diminished or compromised.
The parish council criticized the application for lacking clarity on how security, safety, and operational impacts on the historic airfield would be managed, and noted that alternative designs to preserve views and protect heritage features had not been sufficiently explored.
A Google spokesperson stated that the project aims to support the company’s growth and enhance the UK’s digital infrastructure, describing the development as a strategic move to ensure future technical expansion.
Historically, North Weald Airfield has a rich military history, dating back to World War I and World War II, serving as a Royal Flying Corps aerodrome and later as an air force base. Today, it functions as a commercial airfield for private pilots, training, and emergency services.
Local officials had previously expressed optimism about the land sale’s potential to boost the economy and create jobs, highlighting the strategic importance of the site’s development. However, opposition from the parish council indicates ongoing tensions between heritage, safety, and development interests.
