Planning officers at Basildon Council have advised councillors to back the major development on land off the A127, ahead of a planning meeting on Thursday.

Caineal, the firm leading the project, welcomed the move, describing the development as a critical opportunity for the borough.

John Bourne, from the applicant, said the facility would form part of the UK's vital national infrastructure.

He said: "With every family and business now connected to the internet, data centres are classified as critical national infrastructure because of their essential role in the UK's economy.

"But there aren't many locations where they can be located - they need direct access to fibre-optic connections and reliable power supplies, for example.

"Basildon could take advantage of its strategic location to become a powerhouse in the AI data economy.

The £1.3bn investment would include £500m in construction and a further half a billion pounds worth of computer equipment.

Alongside the economic benefits, Caineal has pledged a 34.5-acre nature reserve to extend the Nevendon Wetlands and preserve the green gap between Basildon and Wickford.

The proposals also commit £1.8m in section 106 contributions, with £1.3m earmarked for training and skills, and a voluntary £2m donation to an education fund.

Mr Bourne said the project would deliver "high-value employment opportunities locally" as well as wider roles in finance, operations, sales, customer support and software engineering.

The scheme has already drawn backing from Basildon Council's Economic Development Team.

They stated: "The ED team is in support of the data centre development as it could serve as a catalyst for attracting high value, high tech businesses to the borough as well as offers opportunity for skills development and employment.

Essex Chamber of Commerce has also written in support of the planning application, adding: "We believe this £1bn investment would be good for Basildon's economy and good for the local businesses we represent."