Data centre and homes plan compete for Charlton Riverside site

A proposal for a 100,000 sq m (1 million sq ft) data centre at Charlton Riverside is intensifying a wider debate in south-east London over whether industrial land should be used for housing and regeneration or for AI and digital infrastructure. The site, designated for housing, has become a flashpoint as Greenwich Council opposes the idea ahead of the formal planning application. Supporters argue data centres are critical infrastructure powering technology relied on by many people. Critics counter that the development may be incompatible with areas earmarked for new homes, raising concerns including energy use, water consumption and environmental impact.