Microsoft Leeds AI Data Center Project Faces 40,000-Signature Opposition

Microsoft plans to build a large artificial intelligence data center campus in Skelton Grange, Leeds, UK, covering 500,000 square feet and comprising three buildings. The project has received a community petition against its construction, with 40,000 signatures gathered to block the project from obtaining final planning approval.

The site was formerly used as a power station, purchased by Harworth Group for £3 million in 2014, and subsequently resold to Microsoft for approximately $134 million. Currently, the project holds only conditional planning permission from the Leeds planning committee, and still awaits final approval from Chief Planning Officer Martin Elliott.

The petition addresses resource consumption during data center operations, including water usage and electricity demand. In the context of the UK ceasing imports of Russian natural gas, the average annual household energy bill exceeds $2,500, a background factor mentioned, though specific impacts have not yet been confirmed by officials.