No Leeds Datacentre

Aim

We are informing the people of Leeds about the true impact of this AI datacentre and giving them a platform to oppose it

We learned that Microsoft have very quietly sought planning permission to build 3 Hyperscale AI Datacentre buildings on a rewilded brownstone site in Skelton, Leeds.
This planning was conditionally granted without a proportional community consultation and despite the massive impacts this datacentre development will have for Leeds in terms of
– water and power consumption
– noise, light and air pollution
– disposal of foulwater and waste heat
– surveillance and security changes
– climate change.

We want to stop this development from happening. It hasn't been completely signed off yet so there is still time to object and we can demonstrate failures of the local authority during the planning process which would make a legal process possible.

If we can't stop the development, given the Government's thirst for delivering AI Growth Zones, we will hold Microsoft and Leeds City Council accountable for evolving the design and ensuring the development does not devastate Leeds. We are working with local councillors and MPs on this currently.

We are all volunteers but we need some funds to
Short term) help us to create and provide printed materials as we help raise awareness of this issue and to fund renting the town hall for a public meeting with Microsoft and Leeds City Council Planning.
Long term) support legal action if required.

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 21st October 2026 at 11:49am