Protesters Gather to Oppose Norwich Apex Data Centre Plans

Approximately 100 protesters gathered outside South Norfolk Council headquarters at Broadland Business Park to oppose a 150MW data centre proposed by Norwich Apex Ltd. The two-storey facility is planned for a site near Keswick on the outskirts of Norwich. Demonstrators expressed concerns that the project would damage the nearby Marston Marsh and create a heat island effect, increasing local temperatures and evaporation.

Norwich Apex Ltd claims the project will not affect the marsh or increase surrounding temperatures. However, the proposal faces significant political opposition and a petition with over 18,000 signatures. South Norfolk Council leader Daniel Elmer and Labour MP Ben Goldsborough have both voiced opposition, with Goldsborough citing unmitigable environmental impacts. TV personality Jake Humphrey also criticized the scale and location of the development, describing the scheme as absurd.

Local police monitored the demonstration, which followed warnings for council staff to arrive early and park at the rear of the headquarters. Further protests against the development are scheduled for November 14 and December 8.