PLANS for a huge data centre that could bring significant financial benefits to Epping have been approved. Epping Forest DC approved Google’s outline plans for a data centre on North Weald Airfield – described as a “nationally significant and sustainable development” – dispute concerns around its impact on the wider area reports the Local Democracy Reporter.

But the centre is set to bring significant levels of investment as well as up to 200 new jobs. The proposal will contribute between 62 and 123 million in gross value added to the economy of Epping Forest.

It is anticipated to create or sustain between 830 and 1,660 full-time jobs during construction. When operational, the data centre will directly create £17 million to £33 million economic value and provide between 100 to 200 jobs on the site.

There were concerns about its impact on the operations at the airfield and traffic – especially if construction is allowed on market days. Epping Forest District Councillor Alan Lion said: “I think it’s worth pointing out again that this is in the local plan. It’s a local plan allocated site and much of the discussion we had at that time was in that sort of level of detail to actually decide how the site was going to be allocated.

“It’s a much bigger site that’s in the local plan and also it’s part of the North Weald strategic master plan. So these things have been considered and this has provided a significant employment opportunity and we could actually say that Google coming here is something of an advantage to Epping Forest because it does provide certain additional benefits. Yes, there are details and the details will still be worked out at the next planning stage.”

The decision comes after concerns that the deal between Google and the Epping Forest District Council, which owns land, could see the market lose almost 100 stalls. The market organisers have conceded that there has been an issue with traffic going to the market, located at North Weald airfield, but have stated that since stopping advertising, the number of shoppers going has decreased. The hugely popular market operates every Saturday and on Bank Holidays, and currently has around 300 stalls selling clothing, homewares, food, and other items.

However, an £88 million land sale to Google means that market space will be converted into parking for the data centre over a temporary five-year period, following an agreement passed by Epping Forest District Council.

The council has stated that there will be an effective net reduction in the area allocated for the outdoor market and its car parking space. Before the agreement on October 29, it said that if the plans are passed, the market’s trading area will be reduced by nearly one hectare.