MP and TV presenter join data centre opposition

Plans for a huge data centre should be blocked as it could harm neighbouring nature sites, an MP and a broadcaster both said.

Ben Goldsborough, Labour MP for South Norfolk, has joined presenter Jake Humphrey in objecting to the Norwich Apex Data Centre in Keswick, on the outskirts of Norwich.

Plans for the scheme were lodged last week with South Norfolk Council, which revealed the scale of the 150 Megawatt site.

Humphrey, who lives close to the site off Ipswich Road, said he was worried about the noise it would produce, adding: "We need to build for the future, but we should not ask ordinary communities to pay the price for it."

The project is causing concern due to its close proximity to Marston Marsh, a protected nature site.

The developers insist that assessments by experts showed it would not harm nearby wildlife.

But in a video shared on social media, Humphrey railed against the plans near his home, describing the site as "the most enormous data centre", and he was worried about the harm it could cause.

"It has got to be in the right place, the right scale, and protections agreed before permission is given," he added, while insisting he is not being a "NIMBY" [Not In My Back Yard] about it.

Planning documents show the structure would be about 20 metres high and would require 72 chiller units on its roof to keep the servers cool.

Goldsborough also said he would fight against the scheme.

He said: "I am extremely concerned about the significant environmental consequences, including the serious risk of a heat island effect and the proximity to Marston Marsh.

"The environmental impact from these proposals is self-evident and unmitigable, and I will therefore be formally opposing the plans."

A spokesperson for Norwich Apex Data Centre said the site will use technology that will prevent a heat plume from forming in the area.

Noise mitigation measures would also be deployed, which the firm said would ensure that existing background sound levels would not be increased.

Plans for new data centres, which are used to store, process and transmit digital information, are frequently being opposed by local communities across the country.

This is often due to environmental concerns.

But the government deemed them critical to "nearly all economic activity and public services".

Some data centres are considered a nationally significant infrastructure project, meaning approval of the scheme sits with a government department rather than local planning authorities.

Norwich Apex Data Centre has not chosen this route and instead is applying through the district council.

The Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade has been approached for comment.

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