AI data centre gets approval in Canterbury despite water concerns
Residents worried about water usage and landfill stability near the new development
A controversial AI data centre planned for Broad Oak, Canterbury, has been narrowly approved despite significant concerns over water usage and the stability of the neighbouring landfill.
Era4, formerly Carbon3ai, had put forward the proposal for the centre near the Shelford Landfill, which was debated by Canterbury City Council’s planning committee on 13th October after being called in due to concerns raised by local councillors.
The plans for the data centre have faced backlash due to its potential high water usage – around 2,000 to 3,000 m³ annually during extreme heat conditions, according to estimates provided by the company.
Despite the concerns, South East Water did not raise objections, and the planning officer recommended approval, citing the data centre as part of the UK's critical national infrastructure.
Councillors highlighted local residents' worries about water resource strain and the effects on landfill stability, especially given the area's history of water outages and ongoing regulatory scrutiny.
The approval vote was narrow, with four councillors in favour, three abstentions, and one against.