Supervisors to Reconsider Denial of Leesburg Area Data Center

The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors has voted to reconsider a data center application from Cochran Tech, just outside of Leesburg, that had been previously denied. The proposal includes a 450,000-square-foot data center and a 600-square-foot non-battery graphene energy storage facility, designed to reduce reliance on generators during grid strain. Supervisors initially denied the application during an April 21 meeting, citing concerns about the site's location, steep slopes, visual impact, and closeness to residential areas. However, on May 5, Supervisor Caleb A. Kershner successfully moved to send the application back to the Planning Commission for additional review, noting that Cochran Tech was willing to make changes, including a new end-user, an updated site plan, new architecture, and revised trail and parks proffers. While supporting the reconsideration, County Chair Phyllis J. Randall expressed frustration with developers often submitting incomplete initial applications, leading to repeated extensions and revisions. Other board members echoed her sentiment, clarifying that their support for reconsideration did not guarantee eventual approval. The motion to return the item to the Planning Commission passed 6-1-1.