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We may have finally come to the end of a long hot summer in Leeds, but the No Leeds Datacentre campaign is still generating its fair share of heat. A group of 170 Leeds residents gathered national attention as they opposed Microsoft\u2019s plans to construct three hyperscale data centre buildings here in Stourton.<\/p>\n
Planning was quietly approved by Leeds City Council in April 2026. At this time the planning portal only registered 2 objections and was left open, pending sign off by Chief Planning Officer Martin Elliot. Since the No Leeds Datacentres campaign began to raise awareness in mid-June, a whopping 996 objections have been submitted to the planning portal and 39,076 people have signed the petition against it<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n Local businesses across Leeds have pledged their support by displaying posters and creating videos, the campaign has also toured around festivals and markets and this week, they launched a mobile billboard<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n Lianne Marie Mease, lead representative of the No Leeds Datacentres<\/a><\/strong> campaign says:<\/p>\n \u201cThe people of Leeds don\u2019t want data centres. They want to see improvements to their quality of life and the cost of living. They don\u2019t see any value in destroying the environment and risking their health and wellbeing so that an American corporation can profit. This development sets a precedent \u2013 if it\u2019s approved without proper scrutiny, how many more data centres will follow?\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Over 100 data centre developments are currently seeking planning permission in the UK with 200 more reported to be in the pipeline. Global Action Plan is urging the government to place a moratorium on construction of any new datacentres<\/strong><\/a> and this is supported by the No Leeds Datacentres campaign which is empowering Leeds residents to encourage their local Councillors and MPs to sign the pledge.<\/p>\n Labour MP for Leeds East Richard Burgon had this to say about the No Leeds Datacentre campaign:<\/p>\n \u201cThe climate crisis is happening now. It has caused thousands of excess deaths in our country alone this summer and, for decades to come, will affect food prices, whether people can work safely, the functioning of our public services and our economic and national security.<\/p>\n \u201cIt is an emergency and action is needed. The unchecked expansion of large corporate AI data centres across the country is deeply concerning and their vast energy and water needs could undermine our efforts to protect people and communities from climate change. That\u2019s why I support the campaign against the construction of Microsoft hyperscale data centres here in Leeds, which would be bad news for local residents, our environment and the fight against climate change.<\/p>\n \u201cBut we also need action nationally. There should be a moratorium on new AI data centres across the country while the Government, working with local communities, fully assesses their environmental impact and weighs that against any potential benefits.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n To find out more visit noleedsdatacentre.com<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n This post is based on a press release issued by No Leeds Datacentres<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n While you\u2019re here, can we ask a favour?<\/strong><\/p>\n South Leeds Life is published by a not-for-profit social enterprise. We keep our costs as low as possible but we\u2019ve been hit by increases in the print costs for our monthly newspaper which have doubled in the last two years.<\/p>\n Could you help support local community news by making a one off donation, or even better taking out a supporters subscription?<\/p>\n Donate here, or sign up for a subscription at bit.ly\/SLLsubscribe<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n \t\t\t\n
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