Plans for a 130ft-high data center in the London commuter town of Bushey, Hertfordshire, have drawn sharp criticism from residents who deem the project "unethical" and "irresponsible." The proposed AI warehouse is slated for construction on the site of a former hotel and an "irreplaceable" orchard, a development that could lead to up to a decade of construction work for nearby homeowners.
The facility is projected to consume an estimated 1,900 GWh of electricity annually, an amount comparable to the total electricity consumption of Sheffield, and 764 million liters of water per year, equivalent to the needs of 15,000 people. This usage far exceeds the current electricity consumption of homeowners and businesses within the local borough.
A significant point of contention is the data center's proximity to a Jewish cemetery, which houses esteemed figures including the former Chief Rabbi Lord Sacks. Residents and cemetery staff have voiced distress over the potential disruption to the cemetery's peaceful atmosphere, a place used for solace and reflection by grieving relatives. Concerns have also been raised about the impact on the cemetery's electricity supply.
Adding to the local opposition, a traveler site located on the opposite side of the proposed development will have residents living as little as 15 feet from the data center. A charity representing travelers has informed the council that the project would inflict "unacceptable harm" on those living on the site and "undermine residents' quality of life, privacy and enjoyment of their homes."
Homeowners in the vicinity are worried about the data center's impact on local electricity and water supplies, noise pollution, and traffic during the lengthy construction period. Concerns have been articulated regarding the source of the substantial water and electricity required, and whether residents would be prioritized in times of shortage. The potential loss of the orchard, described as important for local wildlife, has also been a significant point of opposition.
The data center plans are emerging as such facilities face international scrutiny for their environmental footprint. Several U.S. states, including New York and Texas, have implemented moratoriums on data center construction. In the United Kingdom, data centers have been designated as critical national infrastructure since 2022, allowing them to bypass certain development restrictions. In 2024, data centers in Britain consumed approximately 2,400 GWh of energy, representing 2% of the country's total consumption, a figure that has been rising.
Hertsmere Council has stated that the planning application is pending determination and that all residents' concerns, along with other material planning considerations, will be taken into account during the assessment process.