More on the huge 150 MW Keswick Data Centre proposed at Keswick and in the “hyperscale” category as regards size.
Almost all of us make use of data centres on a regular basis, and with the advance of AI more will be necessary, but the proposed location at Keswick could be disastrous. Two main reasons stand out why this would be so:
- The location in the Yare Valley adjacent to a Key Green Infrastructure Corridor could seriously interfere with wildlife habitats, foraging and migration, and significantly reduce the amenity of the public spaces of Danby Wood, Marston Marsh, and Eaton Common.
- The location is also isolated from opportunities to put its large heat output (in excess of 100 MW?) to useful purpose, and so the heat will be dispersed into the surrounding area, raising local temperature levels.
What could be the effects of a 150MW Data Centre in the Valley?
Experience of existing Data Centres in the UK and elsewhere is that their most striking adverse effects are to create noise, heat, and air pollution extending over distances of up to 2 miles (3.2 km) or more into the surrounding area.
Noise: The massive cooling fans generate a continuous low frequency hum or drone 24/7 capable of bypassing standard sound barriers. More intense sound will be created by a multitude of emergency backup diesel generators during their regular monthly testing, or when they are run continuously in the event of a power failure. Exposure to environmental noise is known to increase the risk of mental health disorders, including depression, chronic anxiety, and psychological distress.
Heat: The Data Centre will be effectively a giant space heater ejecting most of its up to 150 MW into the air creating a “heat island” effect adding to the elevated temperatures already being experienced by climate change. Increased environmental temperatures are not only uncomfortable, but they increase mortality and can aggravate certain medical conditions.
Air: The emergency backup diesel generators will release fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) during testing and during grid outages. This will degrade the local air quality in a way dependent on wind direction. These pollutants are linked to respiratory disease, heart disease, asthma and other serious health risks.
Other effects include those produced by lighting, electromagnetic radiation, and hydrological disturbance, but the above gives a taste of what might be to come.
Danby Wood, Marston Marsh, and Eaton Common could cease to be places of relative peace, tranquillity and seeming remoteness, where people can go to recharge their well-being.
So much for humans, what about the wildlife?
The effects on wildlife living in the Valley could be even more serious than that on humans. affecting habitat, foraging and migration along the Valley corridor.
Noise: Sensitive species in Danby Wood, Marston Marsh, Keswick Marsh, and Eaton Common, including swans, waterfowl, bats, and amphibians, are vulnerable to chronic noise disturbance.
Heat: Increased temperatures could change the local ecosystem, affecting vegetation, composition of populations, and breeding.
Air: Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) can cause respiratory damage, poison habitats, and reduce biodiversity.
The Yare Valley has been identified as a Strategic Green Infrastructure Corridor, with an essential role in the local green ecological network and in combating declining biodiversity. This role could be seriously and irreversibly damaged .
What is the Yare Valley Society doing?
To have a better understanding of the variety of these impacts, the Yare Valley Society has assembled a Data Centre Research Team. The Team’s members have a wide range experience and expertise. They are creating a Database grounded in reliable research that can be used to prepare a strong case to defend both the wildlife of the Valley and the use of its green space for relaxing recreation.
If you have firm evidence of the existence of endangered wildlife in Danby Wood, on Marston Marsh or on Eaton Common please let us know at yvs@yarevalleysociety.org.uk.
What can I do?
When or if a Planning Application is submitted, it can be expected to have a lot of complex detail which will need to be analysed and responded to in an effective way – all within a window of possibly as little as 21 days. The Team will be ready to respond but it is important that we all as individuals write in to make our voice heard. Any response YVS makes will have to be in line with the Society’s Constitution, which will limit it to the impact on the wildlife of the Valley and its use for informal recreation. Your response will almost certainly have a wider brief and include the well-being of people living in their own homes and going about their daily lives.
To help you with your response to the application, the Team’s Database will be freely available online at https://yarevalleysociety.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/260902-Year-Valley-Society-Data-Centre-Team-1.pdf as a work in progress. In the meantime, instead of the Database you will find an excellent overview by a team supporter of the issues that need to be addressed.
Tell your friends and neighbours!
