Microsoft inches towards Leeds consent
Proposals for a 424,000 sq ft data centre complex were well received at Leeds City Council’s north & east plans panel, meaning the tech giant will march towards determination with confidence.
The site at Skelton Grange was bought from Harworth in a high-profile summer 2024 deal, with a deal for around £107m agreed for 65 acres. The deal for the first half of that land has now been completed.
As set out in full by Place Yorkshire here, Microsoft is seeking full permission for three large data centre buildings totalling 424,000 sq ft, alongside outline proposals for a warehouse and distribution facility measuring 160,000 sq ft.
Supported by planner Savills, the project team also includes architect TTSP, and engineering consultants HDR and Ramboll.
Microsoft’s plans were presented by the firm and advisor Savills at the meeting on Thursday for a position statement – essentially a chance for members of the panel to feed back on how they see the proposals before they formally head to decision stage, thus allowing further tweaks and clarification of details.
If there is further detail forthcoming, it is likely to be in the area of tree provision, landscaping and biodiversity net gain, all of which were raised in questions from members during a productive session, with planning officer Stuart Daniel summing up the plans as being “well received”.
All details relating to the project can be viewed on the LCC planning portal, reference 25/06139/FU.
