Prevent construction of Microsoft Hyperscale Datacentres in Leeds

We are a collective of people from all backgrounds coming together to oppose Microsoft’s planned development for 3 Hyperscale AI Data Centres at Skelton Grange. 

This proposed megasite, which has already been given conditional planning approval, would consist of giant warehouses full of tens of thousands of AI computer chips running constantly to power Microsoft’s AI systems. 

There is overwhelming evidence that this site would pose a risk to the health and wellbeing of local residents, and the surrounding environment.

Cooling the chips would require thousands of litres of water to be sucked out of the River Aire every time outside temperatures rise above 29 degrees – which will happen increasingly often as the climate crisis accelerates.

The site would use truly vast amounts of energy to power, making it by far the single biggest carbon emitter in Leeds. Over its planned 60 year lifetime it is projected to release more than 200,000,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide. This is almost the equivalent of one year of the UK’s entire emissions.

Stopping this project is one of the most significant steps we could take to protect both our local environment and stop a truly staggering source of carbon emissions.

The Leeds Planning Committee has already signed off on this megaproject, leaving the final decision in the hands of Chief Planning Officer Martin Elliot.

There is still time to stop this final sign off, and following that to initiate a legal challenge. It is clear that the public were not properly informed about this project or given the opportunity to object, and that there was insufficient scrutiny of the project’s impacts.

These impacts include:

– water and power consumption
– noise, light and air pollution
– water and power consumption
– disposal of foulwater and waste heat 
– surveillance and security changes

We invite all people who care about this city and our planet to join the campaign team.

Please help us by adding your name to this petition.