One of Europe’s largest data centres is set to be built in London’s commuter belt after the plans were given the green light.
Hertsmere Borough Council signed off the almost £4billion project on Thursday night.
The two million square feet AI centre is expected to open in 2029.
It comes after the Government last week launched its AI Action Plan, which classified data centres as critical national infrastructure that will be at the centre of the Britain’s plans to embrace new technology.
Minister for Telecoms, Sir Chris Bryant, said: “Data centres are the beating hearts of this modern age, powering the digital infrastructure that we can no longer live without.
“That is why I am thrilled to see that Hertsmere Council has granted planning permission to one of the largest data centre projects in Europe.
“Data centres like this will not only play a pivotal role in our AI Opportunities Action Plan, but drive economic growth through the creation of skilled jobs across the South East.”
The scheme will be set across 85 acres on land to the north of the M25 and to the east of the South Mimms Services.
DC01UK, the company behind the data centre, said it would bring 500 jobs during the construction phase, 200 skilled permanent workers and more then 13,700 indirect jobs to the area.
A DC01UK spokesman said: “It will bring huge benefits for local people through a stronger local economy, more skilled jobs and better opportunities.
“Our plans also include a raft of upgrades for local transport, including new and existing bus routes, expansion of the local cycle hire scheme and road improvements.
“This approval will also solidify Hertsmere’s status as a leading region in the South East as a tech and media superhub, complementing other established, large technology-driven organisations and film studios in the area.
“With planning for this important piece of Critical National Infrastructure now approved, the site stands ready to power the needs of tomorrow bringing a much-welcomed boost to the UK’s digital economy.”
It comes as controversial plans have also been drawn up for a huge data centre on greenbelt land in north east London.
Havering council’s leader Roy Morgon has said he backs developer Digital Reef’s proposal for the scheme, which would cover 99 acres and also include a 279-acre "ecology park”.
The North Ockendon data centre would consist of large networked computer servers, used by companies for data storage, processing and distribution.
