Bedfordshire data centres recommended for approval

Plans for two new data centres near Houghton Regis, just off the M1, were recommended for approval in early July 2025.

The plans (number CB/24/03164/FULL)  were put forward by Colliers Properties LLC. The site is within the Houghton Regis North 1 development which has outline planning permission for a mix of uses, including a data centre.

The proposals include two data centre buildings approximately 20m in height with some lift shafts and mechanical equipment up to 25m. The site will be accessed from Chantry Way on the southern boundary of the site.

The buildings require standby generators for emergency purposes and an electrical substation will be provided between the two buildings. The proposals also include fencing, a security building, internal roads and 50 parking spaces for each building.

It is anticipated that the operational staff numbers for the data centre building will be between around 70 to 100 people.

Colliers’ plans, developed with a team including Arup, have significant sustainability significant sustainability aspirations to ensure the site has a positive impact on the environment and increases biodiversity. Plans also include 140 photovoltaic panels for the site as well as rainwater harvesting.