Stop the construction of the Blackpool ‘Silicon Sands’ AI Data Centre
The Issue
The proposed construction of the 'Silicon Sands' AI Data Centre in Blackpool by HOCHTIEF poses significant environmental and social concerns for the local community and the broader region.
We urge the Blackpool council and planning authorities to reconsider this development.
We still have time to stop this!! This decision is now subject to a mandatory standstill period and final governance approvals prior to formal contract award on October 1st.
This is just the start! HOTCHTIEFs website boasts ‘ future plans extend to a series of data centres across the Fylde coast, potentially scaling up to 500MW data centres in the next 10 years’
These AI Data Centres will generate significant levels of light, noise and waste pollution. That will damage the environment for residents and wildlife.
The Local Impact Report states that
‘Dust 12.2.2 The construction and decommissioning stages of the Scheme have the potential to cause significant levels of dust, which can impact upon the operations of local services as well as severely impact human health.’
‘Biodiversity Impacts 7.2.2 The principal concern in respect of biodiversity is that the Scheme would result in the loss and disturbance of habitats and introduce structures, such as lighting, which would fragment and sever ecological connectivity. The loss of habitats has the potential to result in the loss of or disturbance of breeding, sheltering, hibernating, foraging, commuting and dispersal habitats of priority or protected species’
‘Travel - Whilst not lying predominantly within the Borough of Blackpool, it is expected that any restrictions on traffic flows on Clifton Drive and / or Queensway will lead to congestion on both routes and the wider area. These roads are the only two routes connecting St. Annes Beach and Blackpool, and there is not sufficient capacity in the network to absorb this impact. This has the potential to impact upon the local economy by increasing commuting times and affecting visitor travel, as well as causing disruption to the local community in their day-to-day trips’
‘ 6.4.2 The beach at Starr Gate plays an important role for the local community in providing space for recreational activities. Local dog walkers, runners, walkers and those involved in watersports frequently utilise the beach here to undertake these activities. Any restriction in the ability to carry out such activities would have a detrimental impact upon local residents both in terms of their physical and mental wellbeing.’
HOTCHTIEF have stated that they are working to ‘develop energy-efficient data centres that are also environmentally friendly’. These greenwashing buzz words mean nothing in reality.
Furthermore, there is a significant risk to homeowners and businesses in the area. Not only are homes near AI data centres becoming polluted with constant noise and light from the buildings but their properties are losing value and becoming unsellable!
We stand at a critical juncture where protecting our environment and community well-being should be prioritised over large-scale industrial developments.
Finally, there is little evidence to show that AI Data Centres hold any financial gains for local people. In similar locations where this has happened residents have found that they have not benefited from work or training. Jobs are outsourced to people from further afield who do not contribute to the local economy.
We call upon the Blackpool Council and all relevant stakeholders to stop the 'Silicon Sands' AI Data Center project immediately. Please sign this petition and help us preserve the future of our community, our environment, and our shared heritage. Together, we can make a difference.
Further reading:
285
The Issue
The proposed construction of the 'Silicon Sands' AI Data Centre in Blackpool by HOCHTIEF poses significant environmental and social concerns for the local community and the broader region.
We urge the Blackpool council and planning authorities to reconsider this development.
We still have time to stop this!! This decision is now subject to a mandatory standstill period and final governance approvals prior to formal contract award on October 1st.
This is just the start! HOTCHTIEFs website boasts ‘ future plans extend to a series of data centres across the Fylde coast, potentially scaling up to 500MW data centres in the next 10 years’
These AI Data Centres will generate significant levels of light, noise and waste pollution. That will damage the environment for residents and wildlife.
The Local Impact Report states that
‘Dust 12.2.2 The construction and decommissioning stages of the Scheme have the potential to cause significant levels of dust, which can impact upon the operations of local services as well as severely impact human health.’
‘Biodiversity Impacts 7.2.2 The principal concern in respect of biodiversity is that the Scheme would result in the loss and disturbance of habitats and introduce structures, such as lighting, which would fragment and sever ecological connectivity. The loss of habitats has the potential to result in the loss of or disturbance of breeding, sheltering, hibernating, foraging, commuting and dispersal habitats of priority or protected species’
‘Travel - Whilst not lying predominantly within the Borough of Blackpool, it is expected that any restrictions on traffic flows on Clifton Drive and / or Queensway will lead to congestion on both routes and the wider area. These roads are the only two routes connecting St. Annes Beach and Blackpool, and there is not sufficient capacity in the network to absorb this impact. This has the potential to impact upon the local economy by increasing commuting times and affecting visitor travel, as well as causing disruption to the local community in their day-to-day trips’
‘ 6.4.2 The beach at Starr Gate plays an important role for the local community in providing space for recreational activities. Local dog walkers, runners, walkers and those involved in watersports frequently utilise the beach here to undertake these activities. Any restriction in the ability to carry out such activities would have a detrimental impact upon local residents both in terms of their physical and mental wellbeing.’
HOTCHTIEF have stated that they are working to ‘develop energy-efficient data centres that are also environmentally friendly’. These greenwashing buzz words mean nothing in reality.
Furthermore, there is a significant risk to homeowners and businesses in the area. Not only are homes near AI data centres becoming polluted with constant noise and light from the buildings but their properties are losing value and becoming unsellable!
We stand at a critical juncture where protecting our environment and community well-being should be prioritised over large-scale industrial developments.
Finally, there is little evidence to show that AI Data Centres hold any financial gains for local people. In similar locations where this has happened residents have found that they have not benefited from work or training. Jobs are outsourced to people from further afield who do not contribute to the local economy.
We call upon the Blackpool Council and all relevant stakeholders to stop the 'Silicon Sands' AI Data Center project immediately. Please sign this petition and help us preserve the future of our community, our environment, and our shared heritage. Together, we can make a difference.
Further reading:
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Petition created on 30 July 2026