Leeds City Council unanimously approved the hybrid application covering a 65-acre site on the north-east bank of the River Aire.

The scheme, led by Microsoft, will deliver three data centre buildings totalling around 424,000 sq ft alongside power, water and energy infrastructure.

Outline consent was also granted for 160,000 sq ft of industrial space on land retained by original site owner Harworth Group.

The approval unlocks a £107m land deal agreed in 2024, with £51.2m already paid and a further £53.2m due on completion of the second phase.

Construction is expected to support around 740 jobs over a six-year build, with more than 350 operational roles across the campus and logistics element.

The project team includes architect TTSP, and engineering consultants HDR and Ramboll.

Chief Executive of Harworth, Lynda Shillaw, said: “Obtaining the resolution to grant planning consent is demonstrable progress towards the completion of the Plot 2 sale and reflects our close and effective collaboration with Microsoft.”

A start on site is likely within 12–18 months.