Approved - but it's not overChalton and Houghton Regis, Bedfordshire

Before Chalton's data centre is signed off

Central Bedfordshire councillors have now voted twice for an Amazon-linked data centre at Linmere, near Chalton. But the legal agreement still isn't signed and no decision notice has been issued.

Planning notice

Houghton Regis

Ref: CB/24/03164/FULL
Decides: Central Bedfordshire Council
Size: 8.7 ha
Next: Sign-off and later phases

What we're asking for

To Central Bedfordshire Council: Before the Linmere data centre is signed off, publish how much power and water it will really use, and make every climate promise legally binding and checked.

Why local people are worried

42Standby diesel generators covered by the Environment Agency permit.

TwiceApproved in July 2025, then again in May 2026 after a legal letter about climate promises.

Not signedThe legal agreement that makes the developer's promises binding hasn't been completed.

It's approved. Here's what you can still do

The headline decision has been made, but conditions, legal agreements and detailed designs still need approval. Each is a chance to be heard.

Quote the reference: CB/24/03164/FULL
Good planning grounds include: impact on the Green Belt or countryside, energy use and carbon, water supply, noise, traffic, wildlife and heritage. Developers' promises are not guarantees: ask for them to be made binding.

No further public committee vote is scheduled that we found. Conditions are discharged by officers; contact Central Bedfordshire Council planning (case officer) and Chalton Parish Council. Residents can watch the planning file for the decision notice.

Read our full guide to objecting

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Every fact on this page is sourced. See the full record on Data Centre Watch. Last checked 2 October 2026.