Tower Hamlets Truman Brewery data centre faces local opposition

Plans for a new data centre at the Truman Brewery site in Tower Hamlets have met with fierce local resistance. Campaigners and elected officials are voicing strong objections, primarily due to the potential loss of housing and the environmental consequences of such a large-scale development.

Housing Opportunity Lost

The proposed 5.2 megawatt facility, reportedly to be operated by US giant Digital Realty, has drawn criticism for occupying a site that local groups believe could provide homes for hundreds of families. Jonathan Moberly, a member of the Save Brick Lane campaign, stated that the site could have accommodated 350 homes. He added that the development represents 'a lost opportunity for a serious amount of housing,' contrasting it with the potential to 'activate the street by bringing housing into it'.

Tower Hamlets Council faces a significant housing demand, with approximately 28,000 families on the waiting list for social housing. Councillor Faysal Ahmed for Spitalfields and Bangla Town reported receiving more than 7,000 objections from residents. He stated, 'We, the council, the Mayor, and this administration are firmly opposed to it, and so are the local businesses. Please listen to us, the residents, and review this decision and reverse it.'

Energy and Environmental Concerns

The electricity demand of the proposed data centre is a major point of contention. Campaigners estimate the 5.2MW facility could consume enough power to supply 15,000 homes. This raises broader concerns about London's electrical grid, parts of which in Hillingdon, Hounslow, and Ealing have already reached full capacity, halting new housing projects. The Greater London Authority has projected that the power demand from energy-intensive sectors could increase by over 600% by 2050.

Beyond energy consumption, residents have expressed worries about air quality and noise pollution. The testing of diesel generators at data centres can release toxic gases. In Acton, parents have raised concerns about the impact on children with breathing difficulties. Furthermore, experts have warned of a potential 'data centre heat island effect,' where waste heat emitted by air-cooled facilities could raise local temperatures, a particular concern for Tower Hamlets, already identified as one of London's warmer boroughs.

Government Decision and Local Response

The government has approved several data centre developments, with Housing Secretary Angela Rayner stating she had seen 'no detailed evidence' of the feasibility of alternative housing-led developments. The government's position is that its decision aligns with the recommendations of an independent planning inspector, who deemed the harm to the area's heritage to be 'minor'. The government also highlighted the need for more data centres and their economic benefits, suggesting the facility could help address anti-social behaviour in derelict buildings.

However, local representatives and residents feel their concerns have not been adequately addressed. Councillor Ahmed emphasised the unified opposition from the council, local businesses, and residents, urging a reversal of the decision. The Save Brick Lane campaign argues that while 'Big Tech' promises jobs, the majority are temporary construction roles, with data centres typically requiring only 12 to 15 permanent staff.

What Happens Next

Local councillors and campaign groups are calling for the government to review and reverse its decision on the Truman Brewery data centre. The extent of resident objections and the council's firm opposition suggest continued local campaigning and potential further challenges to the development.