The site, currently designated for mixed-use development comprising residential, commercial, and light industrial uses, has become a focal point in the broader debate about land use in London. As demand for digital infrastructure and artificial intelligence grows, data centres are increasingly competing with housing and regeneration ambitions for valuable urban space.
Supporters of data centres emphasize their role as critical infrastructure powering essential digital services. However, critics raise concerns about their significant energy and water consumption, as well as their environmental impact, questioning their suitability for areas earmarked for new housing.
Data centre developers are drawn to London due to its concentration of businesses, financial services, and internet connectivity. The Charlton proposal, if approved, would be situated on the Stone Foundries and VIP trading estates and the CSB Logistics building. A spokesperson for the data centre project stated that regeneration in the area has seen limited progress and highlighted that data centres are designated as Critical National Infrastructure by the government.
Residents have expressed concerns about potential noise from generators and the high energy and water usage of data centres, with many preferring to see new homes built on the site. Data centre operators counter that newer facilities use advanced cooling systems, employ noise-dampening equipment, and that their overall water usage is minimal compared to water lost through leaks in the national supply system.