The planning process

SDC is bringing forward a single Development Consent Order (DCO) application for the Project which incorporates the data centre campus, supporting energy infrastructure and associated development. This reflects SDC M40 Campus being a single, integrated project.

This route to planning consent is for ‘Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects’ (NSIPs) and is underpinned by the Planning Act 2008. The Secretary of State will make a decision on whether to grant a DCO.

During stage one consultation, we spoke about our intention to bring the data centre campus and the energy centre forward through a single DCO application, rather than as two separate applications under different planning regimes. In late January 2026, SDC applied for a direction (under section 35 of the Planning Act 2008) to enable the data centre campus to be consented under the NSIP regime. The direction was given by the Secretary of State in March 2026.

Local stakeholders, including Buckinghamshire Council, local residents and town and parish councils, are important consultees in the NSIP planning process and SDC is committed to continuing to involve the local community as the proposals for SDC M40 Campus progress.

All feedback from our Stage Two Community Consultation will be considered in the design evolution of the Project.

SDC M40 Campus is an infrastructure project of national significance. This means the Development Consent Order (DCO) application will be decided by the Secretary of State, rather than by the local planning authority, Buckinghamshire Council.

Through this process, the Planning Inspectorate examines the application and makes a recommendation to the Secretary of State, who decides whether to grant development consent.

Local stakeholders, including Buckinghamshire Council, local residents and town and parish councils, are important consultees in the NSIP planning process and SDC is committed to continuing to involve the local community as the proposals for SDC M40 Campus progress.

This Stage Two Community Consultation gives local residents and stakeholders the opportunity to review and comment on our latest plans. Feedback will play an important role in shaping the Project and can help inform further design development and assessment work.

Details of the feedback received during both stages of consultation, and the account taken of this feedback, will be included in an engagement summary report to be submitted as part of the DCO application. We will continue to engage with the community at key milestones.