A massive computer data centre in the rural village of Plains has controversially been given the green light – contrary to the official recommendation. Planners had concluded that the application from Gillespie Investments Group should be turned down on the grounds that its industrial nature would be inappropriate for a site zoned as countryside. However, North Lanarkshire Council decided by a margin of 35-10 to overturn the recommendation after being convinced by the applicants’ argument that it was essential for the centre to be located beside their equally hotly-disputed energy from waste incinerator and recycling plant.

A majority also agreed that giving the go-ahead for the development at the former Drumshangie opencast mine would allow Plains and North Lanarkshire to become the centre of a major new information industry. The application was for permission in principle – but more detailed plans were also submitted showing eight data storage buildings, a back-up generator, office, boundary fencing and landscaping.

Source: Airdrie and Coatbridge Advertiser

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