Site access, transport and construction
Vehicle access
The main vehicle access for the data centre campus would be to the north west of the site, off the A40 Oxford Road, via a new access road next to Beaconsfield Household Recycling Centre (Access A).
The primary access for the power strategy scenarios would be via the existing access on A40 Oxford Road (Access B).
Once operational, the Project would generate low levels of traffic, with vehicle movements from staff, maintenance and servicing activity. There is expected to be no perceptible change in traffic flow compared to the site’s existing uses.
Construction traffic
A range of vehicles will be needed to support construction of the proposed development. The Project would use the existing access road off the A40 Oxford Road (Access B) during construction, as well as the new proposed road once delivered (Access A).
Vehicle access would generally take place during normal working hours, with some weekend working where required. Construction traffic will be managed to minimise disruption and avoid unnecessary queuing or delays on the local road network.
Construction traffic is expected to use the A40 Oxford Road and access the M40 primarily via the A355 at Pyebush roundabout, to the north west of the site.
This route provides direct access to the strategic road network and would help reduce the need for construction vehicles to use local roads.
A construction traffic assessment has been undertaken which indicates that impacts on the local highway network would be limited, with peak construction traffic forecast to result in a minor increase in overall traffic flows during the construction period – the largest increase being an approximately 4.6% increase in vehicles on the A40 Oxford Road, east of Pyebush Roundabout.
An outline Construction Traffic Management Plan will be submitted as part of the DCO application.
Further information is included within the Community Consultation Environmental Report (CCER).
Public transport access
Staff will be encouraged to access the site by public transport, including via the 102 bus that connects Beaconsfield to Gerrards Cross along the A40 Oxford Road. Enhancements are proposed to the A40 footway to improve pedestrian access to public transport.
Improving public rights of way
Proposals seek to retain and improve public rights of way, footpaths and bridleways across the site to enhance the network of recreational footpaths for public use.
Construction
If development consent is granted, construction of the proposed development is currently expected to begin in 2028.
The overall construction programme is expected to take no less than nine years to build, with earliest completion expected in approximately 2035.*
The proposed data centres buildings would be delivered in phases, with some potential overlap between successive phases of construction.
The first data centre is expected to become operational in or around 2031, with each data centre taking around one to two years to reach full capacity. The third and final data centre is anticipated to be complete in 2035 at the earliest.
Under power strategy Scenario 1, construction of the energy centre is expected to be complete in approximately 2030.
Under power strategy Scenario 2, timings for construction of the overhead line connection and supporting infrastructure are subject to further design development. The overhead line infrastructure is expected to complete in approximately 2029, with further supporting substation infrastructure to complete in approximately 2030.
Because the site was previously used as landfill, some excavated material may include landfilled waste and will need to be carefully managed during construction.
Where suitable, excavated material will be reused on site, including as part of the landscaping proposals. Material that cannot be reused safely will be classified and managed through an appropriate disposal route, which may include existing landfill areas or an off-site facility.
*A detailed delivery timeline will be subject to delivery / lease agreements, selection of potential technology, and availability of a grid connection.