// BBC UK NEWS — CRONACA
Housing or data centre? London's land-use dilemma
A Charlton data centre proposal has become the latest flashpoint in the debate about technological infrastructure and housing
A growing debate is playing out across London: As demand for artificial intelligence (AI) and digital infrastructure grows, what should happen when data centres compete with housing and regeneration ambitions for the same land?
In south-east London, a site designated for housing has become the latest flashpoint in the debate about London's digital future.
The proposed 100,000 sq m (1 million sq ft) data development on industrial land at Charlton Riverside has been dubbed "concerning", with Greenwich Council opposing the idea before the centre's planning application has been submitted.
Supporters say data centres are critical infrastructure that power technology many people rely on.
But critics question whether they belong in areas earmarked for new homes and have raised concerns about their energy use, water consumption and environmental impacts.
Data centres are not new. Telehouse's Tower Hamlets site was built in 1989 under different ownership.
Managing director Mark Pestridge said demand was accelerating rapidly due to London's position as a global technology and finance hub.
Mark Pestridge says data centre operators have not done a good job of educating people about how much electricity and water they use
"If you think about everything you do on a daily basis, whether you want to look at your bank account online, you want to look at your medical records or book a GP appointment, or stream a video, that will all run through a place like this," he said.