Data centre and homes plan compete for Charlton Riverside site

Key Points:

• London faces a land-use dilemma as growing demand for data centres, driven by AI and digital infrastructure needs, competes with housing and regeneration plans, exemplified by the contested Charlton Riverside site.
• Greenwich Council opposes the proposed 100,000 sq m data centre at Charlton Riverside, prioritizing plans for 8,000 new homes, improved transport, and job creation in the area’s regeneration strategy.
• Supporters argue data centres are critical infrastructure supporting daily digital activities and economic growth, highlighting their role in powering services and enabling faster internet connections for businesses.
• Critics raise concerns about data centres’ environmental impact, including energy and water consumption, noise pollution, and question their suitability in areas designated for residential development.
• Data centre operators emphasize advancements like closed-loop water cooling and renewable energy use, while government officials and industry leaders stress that water use by data centres is minimal compared to overall supply losses.