Science & Tech · Big Tech & Internet · 2 hrs ago
Residents oppose proposed 130ft data centre in Bushey
Developers have submitted plans for a 130ft data centre in Bushey, a commuter town in Hertfordshire.
The proposed AI facility would be built on the site of a former hotel and an orchard described as irreplaceable.
It could use 1,900 gigawatt-hours of electricity a year, an amount the article compares with Sheffield’s consumption.
The centre could also use up to 764 million litres of water annually, while construction could last as long as a decade.
Residents and a charity representing travellers object to its closeness to a Jewish cemetery and a nearby site where some people live just 15 feet away.
They fear effects on water and power supplies, noise, traffic, privacy and the cemetery’s peaceful setting, and say the plans need careful scrutiny.
The development application has been submitted, but the article does not say what decision the council will make or when.
Residents have condemned plans for a data centre up to 130ft high in Bushey, Hertfordshire.
The proposed facility would use up to 1,900GWh of electricity and 764 million litres of water a year.
The site is opposite a Jewish cemetery and next to a traveller site, where some residents could be 15ft from the development.
The plans would replace an orchard and a former hotel, and neighbours could face up to a decade of construction.
Residents and a charity representing travellers have raised concerns about the effects on homes, utilities and quality of life.
- Who
- Developers have submitted the plans; local residents and Gate, a charity representing travellers, have raised objections.
- What
- A proposed data centre with towers up to 130ft high has drawn criticism over its potential effects on nearby residents, the cemetery and local resources.
- When
- The article was published on 29 October 2026. Bulldozers had arrived to demolish the former hotel when the Daily Mail visited.
- Where
- Bushey, Hertfordshire, on the site of a former hotel and orchard, opposite a Jewish cemetery and beside a traveller site.
- Why
- Residents cite concerns about the cemetery, construction, noise, traffic, privacy, and pressure on water and electricity supplies.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Developers submitted plans to build the data centre on the site of a former hotel and orchard.
Bulldozers had arrived to demolish the vacant hotel.
- Proposed height
- Up to 130ft
- Annual electricity use
- 1,900GWh
- Annual water use
- Up to 764 million litres
- Nearby traveller site
- Some residents could be 15ft from the development
- Potential construction period
- Up to a decade
What people are saying
The cemetery provides a place of solace and quiet reflection in a countryside setting. Many like to come here, say prayers and take a moment to remember their loved ones.
The Government needs to take a step back and really consider what these (data centres) are going to be used for.
without due consideration of where the water and electricity will come from
unacceptable harm