Responsible Data-Centre Siting: Public Value, Community Voice, and Social Legitimacy : Evidence from the Proposed Potters Bar Development

This policy report examines the attitudes to the proposed hyperscale data centre in Potters Bar through a representative survey of 204 adults and 18 interviews with residents, community representatives, experts, and other stakeholders. Opposition is substantial: 62% oppose the development, 74% express concerns, and 80% feel that residents’ views receive little or no consideration. The analysis shows that opposition cannot be dismissed as mere “not-in-my-backyard-ism”. Residents question whether the development’s purpose, scale, and location have been adequately justified; doubt the existence of local benefits whilst anticipating concentrated local burdens; perceive a lack of opportunities for meaningful influence; face substantial inequalities in terms of resources and expertise; and feel distrust following perceived selective and misleading communication. In light of these findings, an assessment of individual data-centre proposals against existing planning and environmental requirements seems necessary but insufficient for responsible siting. Siting decisions must also ensure social legitimacy, based on demonstrated public value and possibilities for community influence. The report therefore recommends strategic national planning; the clear demonstration of public value; earlier and more meaningful community participation; independently resourced public scrutiny; and enforceable commitments supported by transparent reporting. Together, these measures would support publicly legitimate data-centre development.