Loughton's data centre was waved through without a vote
An AI data centre on Langston Road in Debden was reportedly approved by council officers in June 2026 without a public committee hearing. Now the operator is reported to be exploring gas-powered generation on site.
- Ref
- EPF/1165/22
- Decides
- Epping Forest District Council
- Size
- 50MW, 1.6 ha
- Next
- Sign-off and later phases
To Epping Forest District Council: Before anything more is signed off on Langston Road, hold a public debate and make Nscale say how the data centre will be powered and what it means for noise and heat around Debden.
Why local people are worried
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: EPF/1165/22
- 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.
Comment on any new application or condition discharge on Epping Forest District Council's planning portal; write to local councillors and Loughton Town Council. No public committee date found.
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Every fact on this page is sourced. See the full record on Data Centre Watch. Last checked 2 October 2026.