Infrastructure Impacts on Hyperscale Data Centre and Large Developments

“We need a cable from point A to point B and we are not sure who owns the land in between or how much it will cost, or if we can even get an agreement with them.”

This is a question that HK&Co’s team of agents that handle infrastructure projects are increasingly being asked.

So many practical and legal questions start from this simple question. Fibre, power and water are key to the roll out of proposed Hyperscale Data Centres and other significant developments. While these are classed in planning terms as critical national infrastructure, it doesn’t always mean those developers can benefit from a Development Content Order (DCO) that would allow compulsory purchase of land rights (cable routes) needed.  In nearly all cases it falls back to a negotiation between landowner and developer.

Developers need to secure cable route easements prior to securing planning consent so that they know a project is viable. Our team generally structure agreements so there is an option put in place to take an easement at a point in the future.

Please give us our team a call if this something you would like to discuss.