Brand new £2.5bn data centre blocked for ruining views over the M25
Following the decision, the developers have six weeks to appeal the decision in the High Court.
A brand new £2.5billion data centre has been blocked because it would have ruined views across the M25.
According to estimates, the new hub could have attracted around £2.5bn to the UK's economy and created over 360 jobs.
However, the proposed development was criticised for including buildings that would have harmed "the openness of the green belt" and resulted in an "unrestricted sprawl of a large built-up area".
Furthermore, the three buildings would have been visible from bridges over the M25 and a local public footpath.
A report explaining the decision said the development would form an "incongruous feature" and be visible "above the vegetation along the motorway".
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The cancellation of the project comes after Chancellor Jeremy Hunt said he wanted to make the UK the world’s "next Silicon Valley" by using digital technology to turbocharge the economy.
However, local government minister Lee Rowley claimed that the data centre would have threatened the character of the former quarry between Slough and Uxbridge.
He added the decision was taken even though the public views of the buildings would have been "limited".
In advance of potential problems, the Telegraph reported that the developers planned to plant 18,000 trees around the site.
However, Buckinghamshire County Council objected to this plan because trees would have allegedly impacted the character of the landscape.
Following the decision, the developers have six weeks to appeal in the High Court.
If their appeal fails, the cancellation of the project could be a huge blow to Jeremy Hunt as he tries to strengthen the economy.
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When he set out his vision for the UK at the start of the year, Mr Hunt said he wanted the world's innovators to base themselves in the country.
He said: "If anyone is thinking of starting or investing in an innovation or technology-centred business, I want them to do it in the UK.
"I want the world's tech entrepreneurs, life science innovators, and clean energy companies to come to the UK because it offers the best possible place to make their vision happen.
"And if you do, we will put at your service not just British ingenuity - but British universities to fuel your innovation, Britain's financial sector to fund it and a British government that will back you to the hilt."