Microsoft data centre backlash grows as more than 40,000 sign petition against Leeds plans
Microsoft data centre sparks fresh backlash in Leeds as Green councillors demand answers
A backlash to the building of a Microsoft data centre is gathering pace after Green Party councillors voiced their opposition.
They said the development at the former Skelton Grange power station was against the city council’s commitments to address climate change.
More than 40,000 people have already signed a petition against the “hyperscale” data centre plan, which was given planning permission in April.
Those opposing the scheme in Stourton have raised concerns over the amount of water and electricity it would use.
A Leeds Green Party statement said: “Residents have raised serious concerns about energy and water consumption, flood risk, heat generation and the impact on local communities.
“While planning approval now appears to have been granted and the council’s ability to reverse that decision is extremely limited, we will continue pushing for answers and for the highest possible environmental standards if the development proceeds.”
The city’s eleven Green councillors called on Microsoft to use waste energy from the site to heat homes and implement flood protection measures.
They said: “Leeds deserves development that benefits communities and the climate, not projects that undermine the city’s own environmental ambitions.”
Microsoft said it was investing billions of pounds into “critical national infrastructure” projects in the UK.
The company said people living near the proposed Leeds centre took part in a public consultation.
A spokesperson said: “The proposed facility would be air-cooled for more than 95 per cent of the time.
“We match all our energy use with renewable energy in the UK and Microsoft remains committed to our goals of becoming carbon negative, water positive and zero waste by 2030.”
Leeds City Council said approval of the planning application was in line with national legislation and policies.
A council spokesperson said: “A substantial proportion of the development’s operational water needs will be met through the use of a rainwater harvesting system, while planning conditions will ensure that waste heat is appropriately managed and, where possible, reused.”
The scheme includes three data centre buildings housing computer servers, as well as a warehouse with up to 161,000 sq ft (15,000 sq m), of floorspace.
Power connections, back-up generators and cooling chimneys are also set to be installed as part of the development.