Data Centres need significant energy sources, how will this be managed?

Data centres require continuous energy supplies but each new building is more efficient in design and includes the adoption of new greener energy technology. Ark has a firm Connection Agreement with SSE (reference EZH451-1) to support the proposed development. This new connection is due for completion in Q4 2029 and includes significant grid reinforcement works between Norrington and Melksham. These upstream reinforcement works will improve the resilience of power supplies to the local area, providing a significant improvement to local residents.

Key technical reference:

Energy and Sustainability Statement – energy and water usage

What about water requirements for the new data centre?

Data centres require water for cooling purposes and Ark already uses innovative approaches to make more efficient use of harvested rainwater for this purpose.

Key technical reference:

Energy and Sustainability Statement – energy and water usage

What about jobs and opportunities?

Apart from schools and college outreach, Ark expects around 50 new direct jobs to be created after construction and around 89 indirectly (suppliers etc).

A recent survey showed over 60% of current employees and nearly 70% of people employed by key Ark suppliers live within 15 miles.

Key technical reference:

Economic impact assessment

What does Ark do for the community?

Being Corsham based, Ark has contributed much to the local area (for example, backing Corsham Town FC, sponsoring Dorothy House Hospice) and is an active champion of opportunities in the data sector, working with schools and colleges to promote careers. Ark pays a substantial amount of business rates to the local authority which is used to fund public services.

What is the planning policy background?

Wiltshire’s planning policy supports the redevelopment of former Military Establishments with a preference for employment generating uses (Core Policy 37). There is also backing for economic development proposals adjacent to existing settlements or where the proposal is of strategic importance (Core Policy 34).

How much land will the development take up?

Not all the land owned by Ark will be developed and the P6 area will all be previously developed or brownfield land. The other land to the south and west will be protected from development and will be used for biodiversity improvements and public access (see below). 

What will happen to the undeveloped part of the site and the various Public Rights of Way?

There is a commitment to see the remaining area utilised for nature to enhance biodiversity. Public access will be encouraged in a way that does not harm the natural environment.

Ark has committed to resurfacing Rowan Lane up to the junction into Wadswick Green from Westwells.

Necessary Public Right of Way diversions were approved after the consultation period ended with no objections.

As well as diverting Public Rights of Way onsite (which are to be formed of hoggin and set within a landscaped context), the proposals include additions, extensions, the creation of a bridleway, and the creation of a publicly accessible loop to the south of the site on land under Ark’s control.

Key technical reference:

Proposed site plan showing PRoWs

Will the building take a long time to construct, and will there be disruption for local residents?

Ark uses a dedicated team of contractors to build its data centres. Being of modular construction, the buildings take less time to assemble as much of the construction process is undertaken offsite and concrete use is much reduced, which is better for the environment.

It is usual that a Construction Management and Construction Environmental Management Plan will be controlled via planning condition, if consent is granted. This requires their discharge prior to the commencement of any development. Within the scope of such conditions, we expect construction hours; vehicle management and parking; dust and noise recording and management; site security and temporary surface water drainage management.