Google North Weald data center, Essex, England

Epping Forest District Council approved Google's outline plans in December 2025 for a data center on North Weald Airfield in Essex, calling it a "nationally significant and sustainable development." Google is paying 88 million pounds for the North Weald land, which currently hosts the area's Saturday market.

Councillor Alan Lion said the site was already allocated for development in the district's local plan and called Google's arrival "something of an advantage to Epping Forest." The council says the project will add 62 million to 123 million pounds in economic value and create 830 to 1,660 construction jobs, plus 100 to 200 permanent jobs once it opens. The market, which draws around 300 stalls, will lose nearly a hectare of trading space, and its parking will convert to data center use for at least five years.