Norwich data centre gets boost
A massive data centre at Keswick may be more likely after government signals support for such developments
Plans for a massive data centre at the edge of Norwich may have been strengthened after the government signalled its support for such developments.
Angela Rayner, the housing secretary, has said she wants to offer stronger backing to developers wanting to create artificial intelligence (AI) growth zones.
The move is likely to bolster the bid by Norwich Apex Ltd for a controversial data centre near Keswick.
Initial proposals for the scheme have been widely condemned, with a petition against the facility having been signed by more than 11,000 people.
And the announcement by the government has fuelled concerns locals may have to accept a data centre being built on their doorstep.
Janet Hill, chair of Keswick and Intwood Parish Council, fears increasing the control central government has over the decisions will limit the powers of locals.
She says the policies which will affect the data centre are now being dominated by Whitehall.
Ms Hill added: “There is nothing like the data centre here and this would be totally out of context in such a small village.
“We are a village that has nothing in it other than the houses.
“We really do not want this.”
Ms Rayner wants to boost the construction of AI growth zones by protecting land so data centres can be built on them.
The government wants to unblock “slow and inconsistent planning processes” which are holding up the construction of the facilities.
Whitehall officials say delays in the planning processes make it harder to build the infrastructure AI depends on.
Daniel Elmer, leader of South Norfolk Council, said: “Issues that affect local people should fundamentally have the input of local people.
“People in London are simply not going to understand the gateway to South Norfolk.”
The environmental impacts of the data centre – including water usage and noise – are among the main concerns from locals.
Data centres require large amounts of water to keep them cool.
However, the developer has said it will use an air-cooling system similar to a car engine and that no new water will be required.
Ms Hill highlighted there are houses in the local area which will face disruption from the noise that is generated from the site.
But the developer has insisted there will be little impact on locals.
Officials say acoustic barriers and silencers to lower noise to “acceptable levels” are planned.
William Anthony, director of Norwich Apex Ltd, said last month: “We can genuinely say people in Keswick will not be adversely affected by this.”