The first decisive step towards a Google data centre in Bissen has been taken this Thursday, with Bissen's municipal council voting in favour of the controversial reclassification of the lands.

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The greenfield site covers around 34 hectares. In January, the municipality's general development plan (GAP) had already been slightly modified. Bissen's council had been urged to make sure that the nature and the environment surrounding the prospective data centre were respected.

Opponents of the data centre cited the high water and electricity consumption of the centre.

Google did not want to provide more details before today's vote. According to Bissen mayor Jos Schummer, around 300 people will be employed in the data center. Construction works are expected to kick off within a year - once the development plan has been officially approved.