Planning permission has been granted for a major data centre scheme at Manor Farm in Slough after a government decision followed a six‑week judicial review. The development, promoted by Manor Farm Propco, a subsidiary of Tritax Big Box REIT (BBOX), is for a 107MW facility on a 74‑acre site within the Slough Availability Zone.
What has been agreed
The developer says a pre‑let arrangement for the scheme is now with solicitors and that it has obtained an accelerated pathway to a power connection for the site. In its announcement BBOX described the planning consent as a significant milestone for shareholders and for its data centre strategy.
“Achieving planning consent at Manor Farm represents a significant value creation milestone for shareholders and is the first major demonstration of our data centre value creation strategy,”
The company added that progressing a large scheme in a market it characterises as supply‑constrained has materially enhanced the value of the site and helped to de‑risk the route to development. BBOX also stated that, once operational, the facility is expected to deliver a 9.3% yield on cost.
Local process and challenges
Slough Borough Council had opposed the planning application, prompting a legal challenge which reached the stage of a six‑week judicial review. The government subsequently ruled in favour of the developer, allowing the project to proceed despite the council’s objections. Manor Farm Propco is named as the applicant in the decision.
Immediate consequences for Slough
The approval will have a number of local implications. The developer’s statement highlights steps already taken to secure grid connection and a commercial occupier, but the planning victory also raises questions about:
- increased local electricity demand and the need for grid reinforcement;
- land use and future planning precedents for large industrial or data centre developments in Slough;
- economic effects such as construction activity, potential jobs and the town’s position in the data centre market.
While BBOX refers to shareholder value and yield projections, the details of the pre‑let (including the identity of any tenant and contractual terms) were not disclosed beyond saying the agreement is with solicitors. The pace of delivery will depend in part on the timetable for the accelerated power connection that BBOX says it has secured.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 107MW |
| Site area | 74 acres |
| Expected yield on cost | 9.3% |
The decision is likely to focus attention locally on how the town accommodates large‑scale energy‑intensive development. Slough has been active in promoting its connectivity and suitability for technology and logistics businesses; this consent reinforces the town’s role in the South East’s data centre market.
For residents and local representatives, matters to watch now include the detailed construction timetable, employment commitments during and after build, and any environmental or traffic mitigation measures attached to the planning consent. BBOX has framed the outcome as de‑risking the route to development and increasing the site’s value; how those benefits materialise for the borough will become clearer as the project progresses.
