Broadcaster Jake Humphrey is at the forefront of a campaign opposing plans to construct one of the United Kingdom's largest data centers on countryside adjacent to the Norfolk village of Keswick. The proposed Norwich Apex Data Centre is slated for a 32-acre site near the Marston Marsh nature reserve, an area known for its open fields and rural character.
Humphrey, who is best known for his work on BBC Sport's Formula One coverage, expressed strong opposition to the project. He is one of over 7,000 individuals who have signed a petition against the development. Concerns raised by residents include the potential disruption of the area's rural ambiance, increased noise and traffic, and the impact on local wildlife. Humphrey clarified that his objection is not to data centers in general, but to the specific location, arguing that such an industrial facility is unsuitable for a sensitive rural and historic landscape.
Residents fear the data center, along with other nearby infrastructure projects, will irrevocably alter the character of the area. These include a substation being built to connect the Hornsea 3 offshore wind farm to the National Grid and a proposed Tesla battery farm for energy storage. Villagers like Karen Gaul, a retired Slimming World manager, cited the beauty of the countryside and the presence of the existing substation as reasons why adding a data center would be excessive.
Other residents echoed these sentiments. David, a villager, voiced concerns about constant noise, potential water pressure drops due to the facility's cooling systems, and a perceived lack of benefit for ordinary people. He suggested that data centers might be better located offshore.
Norwich Apex Data Centre has stated that the facility will support essential digital services, create local employment, and position Norwich as a technology hub. The company also indicated plans for landscape and ecological enhancements, including new planting to mitigate noise and visual impact. However, many residents remain unconvinced, worrying that assurances regarding noise and water usage are insufficient and that the development will be pushed through despite local opposition.
No formal planning application has yet been submitted to South Norfolk Council. The site has previously received consent for a business park, with preparatory groundwork undertaken several years ago. Local officials, including Keswick parish councillor Monica Warmerdam, note that the council may be inclined to see the land developed. However, the parish council is still deliberating on the plans. Some residents, like Tesco worker Elizabeth Fox, have expressed a more neutral stance, prioritizing proper drainage for the site, which they say is needed to prevent flooding that has affected nearby homes.