# Google refused 54K-name petition, say campaigners

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/google-refused-54k-name-petition-say-campaigners/
- Published: 2026-11-05T11:30:03+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-05T12:41:49+00:00
- Original publisher: BBC Science (publisher lean: Centre)
- Original article: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c5ev3wm3ng42o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss
- Topics: Elections, Environment, Politics, Science

## Key points

- Campaigners say Google refused a 54,000-signature petition.
- The Thurrock plan includes four data centre buildings.
- Google says it aims for a 10% Biodiversity Net Gain.

## Summary

Campaigners say Google’s London headquarters refused to accept a petition signed by 54,000 people opposing its planned data centre development in Thurrock. Conservation groups argue the project could damage a locally protected wildlife site, while Google says the centre is important infrastructure and its plans include measures to support nature.

The proposed development near Purfleet includes four data centre buildings covering 130,500 sq m and an office, on 52 hectares that became a Local Wildlife Site in 2006. Groups say it could remove more than 80% of protected habitats and threaten rare bumblebees, endangered broad-leaved cudweed, butterflies and nightingales. Google says it is working with Natural England and ecological experts towards a 10% Biodiversity Net Gain, and plans public open space, green links and habitat improvements.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.