Jake Humphrey criticises plans for 150MW AI data centre near Norfolk reserve
Jake Humphrey has criticised plans for a large AI data centre near Marston Marshes nature reserve in Keswick, Norfolk, calling the proposal poorly sited and warning that local people could bear its effects. He says he supports technology and economic growth but wants the location, scale and safeguards considered before planning permission is granted.
The proposed Norwich Apex Data Centre would occupy a 32-acre site and have a capacity of 150 megawatts, with 72 rooftop cooling units. South Norfolk Council received the application on 2 October; the site already has permission for an industrial park, and the developer has applied through the council rather than the national infrastructure process. Residents have raised concerns about noise, light pollution and changes to the rural landscape, while nearby Marston Marshes includes floodplains and habitat for the endangered Desmoulin’s whorl snail.
- Jake Humphrey opposes the proposed data centre’s location near a Norfolk nature reserve.
- The 150MW facility would include 72 rooftop cooling units.
- South Norfolk Council is considering the planning application.
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AI data centres house the computer equipment used to run online services and artificial intelligence systems. They need large amounts of electricity and cooling, so proposals can raise questions about energy use, noise and how a site fits into its surroundings.
The Norwich Apex proposal is for a 32-acre site near Keswick, south of Norwich, with a planned capacity of 150 megawatts. The land already has permission for an industrial park, and the developer has applied to South Norfolk Council for planning approval.
Marston Marshes is a nearby nature reserve with floodplain habitat and an endangered snail. The debate involves the developer, the council, local residents and people concerned about the reserve, as they weigh possible economic benefits against effects on neighbours and the environment.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters could argue that a 150MW AI data centre would provide infrastructure for growing digital services and bring investment and jobs, making use of land already approved for industrial development. They may consider the site acceptable if planning conditions adequately control noise, lighting, water use and effects on nearby habitats.
The case against
Critics could argue that the site’s proximity to a nature reserve, floodplains and rural homes makes a development of this scale poorly placed, with risks to wildlife and residents’ quality of life. They may say the existing industrial permission does not settle whether a much larger data centre is suitable, and that its location and safeguards should be scrutinised before approval.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Jake Humphrey hits out at ‘absurd’ plan for massive power-hungry AI data centre built close to nature reserve near his house”.