Norwich Apex Data Centre has submitted plans to South Norfolk Council for a 150 megawatt facility in Keswick, located on the edge of Norwich near a nature reserve. The proposed development has generated significant public concern, with thousands of residents signing a petition against the project.
Environmental assessments conducted for the scheme identified that the facility has potential to generate very high noise levels in surrounding areas without substantial mitigation measures. The primary source of noise would be 72 chiller units positioned on the roof of the building. The developer acknowledged these findings and stated that operational noise levels at sensitive nearby locations would be designed to align with existing background noise conditions.
The data centre has also raised concerns regarding water usage and visual impact on the landscape. However, Norwich Apex Data Centre stated that the facility would use air-cooling technology, eliminating the need for water in the cooling process. The company indicated that water would be needed only for standard facility operations such as restroom facilities and staff amenities, with no water drawn from nearby rivers or marshes. The developer further proposed planting and landscaping measures intended to screen the development and minimize visual effects.
The developer asserted that environmental assessments conclude the data centre would not harm nearby designated wildlife sites, including Marston Marshes. The company highlighted that the facility would create up to 150 permanent jobs and would be positioned near an electrical substation connected to offshore wind farms in the North Sea, allowing the facility to source renewable power.
Local officials have raised objections to the proposal. Daniel Elmer, Conservative leader of South Norfolk Council and county councillor for Keswick, announced he would formally object to the facility, citing concerns about the scale of the development relative to the site location and its proximity to Marston Marshes and a listed church, as well as potential aesthetic impacts on the southern entrance to Norwich.
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