Plans for a substantial data centre in Keswick, a village on the outskirts of Norwich, have been met with significant local opposition. The proposed 150-megawatt facility, submitted to South Norfolk Council, has raised concerns among residents about its potential impact on noise levels and the surrounding wildlife. A petition against the development has garnered thousands of signatures.
Expert assessments indicate that the data centre could generate "very high noise levels" due to its 72 planned chiller units on the roof, necessitating extensive mitigation measures. However, the developer, Norwich Apex Data Centre, has stated that environmental assessments show the facility will not harm protected areas like Marston Marshes. The company also claims the facility is designed to ensure operational noise levels at sensitive surrounding locations align with existing background levels.
Further concerns have been raised regarding the project's water usage and its visual impact on the landscape. Norwich Apex has countered these points, stating that the data centre will use air-cooling technology, thereby requiring no water for cooling purposes. Water will be limited to everyday uses such as staff facilities and restrooms, with no withdrawal from nearby rivers or marshes. The company also plans to implement planting and landscaping to mitigate the visual impact.
Politically, the proposal has drawn criticism. Daniel Elmer, the Conservative leader of South Norfolk Council and county councillor for Keswick, announced his intention to formally object to the facility. He expressed concerns about the scale of the development relative to its location, citing its proximity to nature reserves and the southern gateway into Norwich. Elmer suggested that the aesthetic impact on visitors entering the city should be a significant consideration.
Despite the opposition, Norwich Apex Data Centre highlighted the potential economic benefits, including the creation of up to 150 permanent jobs. The proposed site is strategically located near an electrical substation serving offshore wind farms in the North Sea, suggesting a potential for drawing power from renewable sources.
The land in question already has planning permission for a business park, but the developer seeks to build the data centre instead. The consultation period for the proposal has seen community engagement, including protests from local residents concerned about the project's ramifications.