Protest Erupts Over Norwich Data Centre Plan

Hundreds of people recently protested in Norwich against a proposed large data centre, Norwich Apex, planned near the Marston Marsh nature reserve. The facility, with an energy requirement of 150MW, is slated to be powered by offshore wind. Protesters voiced concerns about the project's environmental impact, fearing damage to wildlife areas and the potential loss of mature trees. They also expressed worries about noise pollution and its effect on local fauna, including a potential threat to bee populations.

Norwich Apex's chief executive, Matt Bartram, addressed these concerns, stating that protecting the environment has been integral to the design. He highlighted plans to plant over 15,000 new trees and create approximately a mile of hedgerow, while also retaining existing vegetation. Bartram asserted that independent assessments informed proposals for substantial acoustic screening to minimize noise levels, aiming to keep them at existing background levels. The project is presented as a significant opportunity for Norfolk, promising up to 150 permanent jobs and essential digital infrastructure.