Google’s proposed data center campus in Thurrock, east of London, is facing an unusual coalition of wildlife advocates, environmental campaigners and motorcycle racers. A petition with almost 55,000 signatures asks the company to abandon the site as AI and other digital services drive demand for new computing infrastructure.
Buglife and local conservation groups say construction would damage habitat for an endangered plant, rare bumblebee and other invertebrates. The nonprofit Foxglove disputes the project’s emissions impact, while the Thurrock Hammers want motorcycle racing restored at the former Arena Essex site. Of roughly 1,000 public responses received by the planning authority, only one supported the application, although the council notes that many came from outside the area.
Campaigners claim the project could produce as much as 570,000 tonnes of emissions annually. Google says that figure and other objections mischaracterize its plans. The company says it will retain habitat, transplant endangered plants, finance new renewable generation and deliver a net gain in biodiversity. It also argues that the disused track is no longer an active community facility.
Thurrock Council expects to decide on the initial application early next year. A more detailed development plan would require another review afterward. The dispute illustrates how access to power and land is turning AI infrastructure expansion into a local planning issue, not only a technology investment decision.