London 7 data centre reaches key planning milestone in Southall

Plans for London 7, a 110MW hyperscale data centre development on the former Honey Monster site in Southall, West London, have reached a major planning milestone. In July 2026, Ealing Council’s Planning Committee resolved to grant permission, subject to finalising the associated planning obligations and final review by the Mayor of London.

The development will regenerate the 6.8-hectare former industrial site, combining large-scale data centre infrastructure with new workspace, training facilities and public realm.

Atelier Ten has worked with Apt Architects and the wider design team from project inception, leading an integrated environmental strategy that responds to the significant operational demands of hyperscale data infrastructure.

A new approach to on-site renewables

One of the project’s most distinctive environmental features is its proposed photovoltaic façade.

Early design analysis identified more than 7,000m² of unobstructed, unshaded south-facing façade with limited glazing requirements, creating a significant opportunity for photovoltaic integration. Atelier Ten worked with the architectural team to explore how the façade could become a major source of on-site renewable energy, using parametric analysis to test and refine different configurations.

The analysis helped balance the opportunity for on-site energy generation with daylight requirements for occupied spaces, while managing solar gain and associated cooling loads. The resulting proposal has been described in Ealing Council’s planning material as the world’s largest photovoltaic façade.
The approach addresses a particular challenge for data centres, where roof space is constrained by equipment required for heat rejection.

Extending environmental performance beyond the data halls

London 7 targets BREEAM Excellent and a design Power Usage Effectiveness of 1.2 indicating a high level of energy efficiency for a hyperscale data centre. The fully electric design supports the client’s ambition for 100% renewable energy, while recovered heat from the data halls will be reused to serve offices and ancillary spaces. Provision is also safeguarded for future connection to a district heat network.

The wider environmental strategy addresses whole-life carbon and circular economy principles, alongside biodiversity, stormwater management and occupant comfort.

Construction is expected to take around six years, with further details to be confirmed as the project progresses.

Read more about Atelier Ten’s environmental design approach for London 7 on the project page.