United Kingdom: Application filed for Oxfordshire data center stirs up controversy amongst locals
Jul 12, 2023 | Posted by MadalineDunn
De Montalt Life Sciences is planning to build a campus comprising seven 25m high buildings, a data center, and two multi-story car parks on the outskirts of an Oxfordshire town in the UK. Planned at the former Wicklesham Quarry in Faringdon and spanning 42,286 sqm (455,163 sq ft), the proposal is still in the consultation phase and has not yet been put under consideration by the council - a decision is set to be given by September 21.
The consultation period will end July 27, but there are already objections, including from Anna Hoare, who has launched a petition, which has received almost 2,000 signatures.
Hoare called the development an "industrial monster" that would "loom over views towards Faringdon from the footpaths, public bridleway, and houses alongside Wicklesham Quarry, virtually obliterating them," adding that it would dominate views from Folly Hill and Galley Hill, which she said are "important viewing points and amenity areas."
According to Hoare, reaching 25 meters high, covering almost 29 acres, the seven four-story structures are "many times bigger (in mass) and taller" than any existing buildings in Faringdon. She shared her fears that, if it goes ahead, the data center would "completely destroy" the town's rural character, creating a "massive industrial overspill into open countryside."
In its design and access statement, De Montalt Life Sciences, however, argued that the development is essential: "There is therefore an urgent need to provide high quality accommodation in a location well placed to support the established hubs at Oxford Science Park, ARC, Milton Park, Harwell etc."
The consultation period will end July 27, but there are already objections, including from Anna Hoare, who has launched a petition, which has received almost 2,000 signatures.
Hoare called the development an "industrial monster" that would "loom over views towards Faringdon from the footpaths, public bridleway, and houses alongside Wicklesham Quarry, virtually obliterating them," adding that it would dominate views from Folly Hill and Galley Hill, which she said are "important viewing points and amenity areas."
According to Hoare, reaching 25 meters high, covering almost 29 acres, the seven four-story structures are "many times bigger (in mass) and taller" than any existing buildings in Faringdon. She shared her fears that, if it goes ahead, the data center would "completely destroy" the town's rural character, creating a "massive industrial overspill into open countryside."
In its design and access statement, De Montalt Life Sciences, however, argued that the development is essential: "There is therefore an urgent need to provide high quality accommodation in a location well placed to support the established hubs at Oxford Science Park, ARC, Milton Park, Harwell etc."