Rayner accused of ‘annihilating' green belt in tech blitz
Angela Rayner has been accused of 'annihilating' the green belt to build Europe's largest data centre just outside of London.
A Government-backed plan to build the new £3.75bn complex – which is twice the size of Heathrow Terminal 4 – near Potters Bar in Hertfordshire, was approved by the local council in January.
However, residents are now calling for the decision to be revoked, arguing that developers misrepresented their plans and that locals were not properly consulted.
They also raised concerns about the designation of the site as 'grey belt' under Labour's planning reforms earmarking 'poor quality and ugly' parts of protected green belt land for development.
Fleur Albrecht, chairman of the residents' group opposing the plans, said: 'We're not opposed to data centres per se, but what we're opposed to is the complete destruction of our green belt.
'This is going to be the first impact of many, I believe, other developments that are going to completely encircle the town and change the character of Potters Bar and just annihilate the green belt.
'It's devastating, it really is. I know nothing is forever, but you would have hoped that the green belt when it was set up offered protection, and it doesn't.'
The group, which counts dozens of local residents among its members, has written a letter of complaint to Hertsmere Borough Council and Ms Rayner and is calling for a fresh public consultation.
The data centre, dubbed DC01UK, is expected to be the largest in Europe, covering up to 2m sq ft of floor space on an 85-acre site close to the A1 and M25. It is a joint venture between renewable energy firm Chiltern Green Energy and property developer Griggs Homes.
Developers have said the data centre, which could be up and running in 2029, will play a critical role in meeting rising demand amid the growth of AI, cloud computing and data-heavy services such as streaming.
They have said the site will support at least 200 new local jobs and contribute around £1.1bn to the local economy.
Peter Kyle, the Technology Secretary, has backed the plans, which he branded a 'vote of confidence' in the Government's growth strategy.
But the development has been met with a backlash owing to concerns about scores of power generators that will need to be tested once a month, a 'humming' from the data centre cabinets and night-time light pollution from the main buildings.
Residents warned of a particular impact on children given the close proximity to the prestigious Dame Alice Owen's School, as well as the impact on local equestrian facilities.
The campaign group also took aim at Hertsmere Borough Council for the handling of the planning application.
They accused developers of 'misrepresenting' the location of the site and said both the company and the council failed to carry out meaningful public consultation on the proposals.
Ms Albrecht said residents' concerns had been 'completely ignored' by the council, adding: 'It also should send out alarm bells to anywhere else that this can happen because environmental concerns, public opinion actually counts for nothing.'
Oliver Dowden, the former deputy prime minister and MP for Hertsmere, has previously hit out at the proposals, branding Labour's planning reforms 'destructive'.
A spokesman for Hertsmere Borough Council said a consultation on the proposals had been carried out in line with the Government's requirements for publicising planning applications.
They added: 'The report considered by the council's planning committee makes it clear that the application was considered on its own merits in the context of national and local planning policy. The report clearly sets out the relevant planning matters including a careful analysis of the green belt issues.'
A spokesman for DC01UK said: 'DC01UK's scheme will deliver nearly £4bn in investment, create hundreds of new jobs, and bring significant local improvements, including enhanced roads, bus routes, footpaths and an expanded local bike hire scheme. More than half of the site will be preserved as green space.
'Before, during and after the application process, DC01UK has closely engaged with local stakeholders, including hosting a public exhibition, alongside two council consultations. The application was also thoroughly assessed by the council's case officer and approved through a full and transparent process.'
The Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government was contacted for comment.
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