Google faced strong criticism from residents at a meeting about its Waltham Cross datacentre, with complaints focused on inadequate consultation, persistent noise and intrusive lighting. The dispute matters because the site is Google’s first UK-owned and operated facility and is expected to expand significantly, intensifying concerns about its effect on neighbouring homes and the local environment.

The 33-acre site north of the M25 opened last year and could eventually provide up to 77 MW of IT capacity, although Google says it is not yet operating at that level. Planning for a datacentre began in 2018, Google bought the land for £33 million in 2020, and the final planning details were approved in November 2023; only 12 people reportedly attended an earlier public meeting. Google and Broxbourne Borough Council said procedures were followed, while Google said it was changing lighting arrangements and seeking to reduce their impact.