Data centre development plans ‘essential’ for high-speed broadband in Sheffield

CityFibre, a builder of Gigabit Cities, submitted the plans to change the use of storage unit 8 at Fieldhouse Way to a data centre.

The site is located within a predominately industrial and commercial setting. The plans would involve eight 25Kw air conditioning units and four further eight Kw air conditioning units that would be used to keep the computer systems cool.

In a cover letter with the application, Chris Bradshaw, town planner for WYG who were instructed by CityFibre to submit the application, said: “CityFibre is planning on expanding their network within Sheffield which will transform the entire city’s digital landscape, bringing full-fibre connectivity within reach of nearly every building. This new network will provide a step change in internet speed and quality, a future-proof platform for economic growth in the digital age.

“This proposed development is essential to the roll out of fibre internet connections across Sheffield over the forthcoming months and years.

“Local planning policy supports the development of this use class within this location.

“The scheme would offer substantial wider benefits by allowing Sheffield to increase its capacity of extremely fast high-speed broadband fibre connections for existing and future residents and businesses.”

They added, if approved, there would be minor alterations to the elevations in order to accommodate air conditioning units.

To read the full plans or comment on the application, go tohttps://planningapps.sheffield.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=summary&keyVal=QH49ZMNYMIG00

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