Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner is under legal pressure after approving a green belt datacentre in Buckinghamshire. Her decision overruled the local council, which had previously rejected the 90MW facility. The approval is part of the Labour government’s drive to triple computing power and strengthen Britain’s role in the global race for artificial intelligence.
Activists have asserted that the campaign did not have a proper environmental impact assessment carried out. Campaigners believe that the rush for the AI infrastructure should not be at the detriment of climate targets and community well-being. The case has opened up the question of whether technological development should take precedence over environmental and social protections.
The controversy comes as the UK is seeing a rise in datacentre developments stimulated by the increasing development of AI Technologies. Critics have stated that technology could potentially disrupt and alter our landscapes, increase energy costs and put pressure on very strained water resources. To Rayner, the case provides an early critical test for achieving a balance between technology and sustainability.
Why the Buckinghamshire Datacentre Sparked Outrage
The facility, planned on former landfill land near the M25, was initially rejected by Buckinghamshire council. Officials argued it would harm the green belt, damage habitats, and spoil the area’s natural character. Local residents called the towering 18-metre buildings an “eyesore” and pointed to more suitable brownfield sites.
Despite these concerns, a public inquiry later supported approval, stating no environmental impact assessment was required. Campaigners strongly disagree, saying the lack of scrutiny ignores potential risks to local ecosystems, air quality, and long-term sustainability.
Campaigners Take the Fight to Court
The challenge comes from Foxglove, a tech equity campaign group, and Global Action Plan, an environmental charity. They argue the datacentre could increase energy demand and drive up electricity prices for local residents.
Oliver Hayes, head of campaigns at Global Action Plan, questioned whether AI applications such as chatbots and deepfakes justify undermining climate progress. He criticized what he described as a “lack of meaningful scrutiny” in Rayner’s decision-making.
Foxglove co-director Rosa Curling warned the project could place households and businesses in direct competition with a “power-guzzling behemoth”. The group insists that unchecked AI infrastructure risks repeating mistakes seen in the United States, where datacentre demand has pushed energy prices higher.
Government’s Push for AI Growth
Labour ministers, including technology secretary Peter Kyle, have criticized slow planning processes that delay datacentre construction. They argue Britain needs more facilities to remain competitive in the global AI race. Kyle once described complaints about ruined views from the M25 as obstacles to progress.
Rayner defended her decision under the government’s “grey belt” policy, which supports limited development on less valuable green belt land. Supporters argue the site will bring over £1bn of investment and create 230 direct jobs, alongside hundreds more in the wider economy.
A spokesperson for Greystoke, the developer, highlighted environmental measures like solar panels and heat pumps in the design. They insisted the green belt datacentre will support vital services including medical diagnostics and scientific research.
The Rising Burden of Datacentres in the UK
Industry experts warn that the rapid adoption of AI could make datacentres responsible for up to 10% of Britain’s electricity demand by 2050. This would be five to ten times higher than current levels.
Water usage also presents a growing concern. Thames Water recently said the region faces “serious water stress”, yet as many as 70 new datacentres could soon be developed. Some facilities consume over 1,000 litres of water per second, equal to the daily usage of 24,000 homes.
Although the Iver facility will use air cooling, campaigners remain concerned about its long-term environmental effects. They argue the approval sets a precedent for further green belt developments without adequate environmental impact assessment.
A Decision That Could Shape the Future
The legal challenge against Angela Rayner highlights a deep tension between Britain’s AI ambitions and its climate commitments. If the project moves ahead, it may accelerate the growth of UK AI infrastructure, but it could also fuel public distrust over government handling of environmental protections.
For campaigners, the outcome is about more than one project. It represents a turning point in how Britain balances economic innovation with sustainability. The case may well set the tone for future datacentre approvals across the country.
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