Microsoft Says More Data Centers Must Be Built “To Power The Economy Of The Future,” But Councillor Argues That Company Can Instead Nurture Communities

The United Kingdom has been on Microsoft’s data center radar, and the company is reportedly looking to submit plans for such an infrastructure near Langley Railway Station in autumn. Even as the general populace opposes the idea of these technology titans using acres of land to gain an edge over their competitors in the AI race, the software giant believes data centers will play a more pivotal role in people’s lives. One councillor has spoken up against Microsoft’s plans, believing that the company should instead focus on building communities, such as making parks or planting trees.

A petition to pause Microsoft’s data center plans has reached 600 signatures, but as a trillion-dollar entity, it shouldn’t be difficult for the company to be persuasive

During a consultation asking residents what they think about Microsoft’s plans to build a data center, the company stated that “data centers become integral to our lives, with social media, contactless payments and remote working all reliant on the functionality they provide.” Microsoft also says that it “strives to be a good neighbor” while creating a positive impact on communities

Aside from the noise pollution that data centers emanate, the increased heat, consumption of land, and adverse health impacts have been various debate subjects, concerning millions of people who surround the infrastructure. Even though Microsoft states that “the U.K. needs more new data centers to power the economy of the future,” Councillor Chandra Muvvala believes that the impacts are there.

As reported by The Slough Express, Muvvala has mentioned that “not having a data center is not a problem, but having a data center is certainly a problem,” with the councillor stating that there are a plethora of plans that Microsoft can be engaged in that will be beneficial for communities, such as building parks or planting trees across Langley. Muvvala states that Microsoft is sitting on a massive pile of cash, so it has the available funding, but whether that can positively contribute to the people is a more important question.

There’s also a petition carrying 600 signatures, asking for a pause in new data centers in the town, including Microsoft’s. The software giant says that an environmental assessment is currently being executed to determine the air quality, noise, climate, townscape, and other factors that can adversely affect the quality of life. Microsoft has already received the green light from Leeds City Council to build a data center, but the final say will come from Chief Planning Officer Martin Elliot.

News Source: The Slough Express