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Google refused 54K-name petition, say campaigners
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.
In short
- 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.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Campaigners argue that building on a designated wildlife site risks losing habitats and harming species that may be difficult to restore, so the scale of the proposed development warrants serious scrutiny. They may see the petition as evidence of substantial local concern and contend that nature protections should carry significant weight when deciding where major infrastructure is built.
The case against
Google’s case is that data centres provide important infrastructure, and the development can be designed to support nature through habitat improvements, green links and public open space. Its proposed 10% Biodiversity Net Gain, developed with Natural England and ecological experts, offers a basis for arguing that the project could provide environmental benefits while meeting infrastructure needs.
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