Microsoft Faces Backlash Over New Data Center Plans

Microsoft is pushing forward with plans to build a data center in Slough, England. The tech giant has stated that it will submit its plans by autumn this year, following a recent consultation with local residents.

The company claims that the UK needs more new data centers to power the economy of the future and that they have become integral to our daily lives, powering social media, contactless payments, and remote working. However, not everyone is convinced, with councillors and residents raising concerns about the environmental impact and noise levels.

In fact, a petition has been started to pause the project until an independent assessment can be completed, which currently has over 600 signatures. This is not the only data center project that Microsoft is facing criticism for, as its planned data center in Leeds, England has also sparked controversy with over 43,000 people signing a petition against it.

Microsoft has received approval from the Leeds City Council to build the data center there, but the final decision will be made by Chief Planning Officer Martin Elliot. The company could potentially take steps to mitigate the impact of its data centers on local communities, such as planting trees or improving parks, as suggested by Councillor Chandra Muvvala.