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Data Centre Threatens Rare UK Wildlife
15 Sep
Summary
- A Google data centre planned for Thurrock could endanger rare plants and bumblebees.
- The site is a designated local wildlife area with protected invertebrate and plant species.
- Google states they will ensure biodiversity gain and preserve green spaces at the site.
A proposed Google data centre development at the Arena Essex Raceway in Thurrock faces scrutiny from environmental groups. The Essex Wildlife Trust has expressed significant concerns that the project could threaten the habitats of Britain's endangered broad-leaved cudweed and the shrill carder bumblebee. This site, designated as a local wildlife area since 2006, supports a rich biodiversity, including 687 invertebrate and 439 plant species, alongside notable birds and insects.
Global Infrastructure UK Limited purchased the 129-acre site for £47 million in July 2023 and submitted plans for the data centre on behalf of Google. While the development consultancy firm, Mallory Land Ltd, asserts that ecological considerations were included in the proposals, the trust highlights worries about water and energy consumption, land warming effects, and the long-term impacts of such facilities. Google has responded by stating their commitment to environmental responsibilities, promising a 10% biodiversity net gain and the preservation of public open space and retained habitats.
