A father has said he fears his daughter may never be able to sell her new-build home in County Durham if plans for a huge data centre go ahead. Ed Morrow, from Washington, said his daughter exchanged on her property at Gleeson Homes' neighbouring Lyons Edge development in July, before the proposals were unveiled.
Concerns over the proposed development
The development, which could have up to seven data centre buildings, has sparked worries about noise levels, traffic, and water provision. American developer Tract aims to construct the Durham Technology Park on land situated between South Hetton, Murton and Easington Lane.
Mr Morrow, 68, said: "My daughter's just bought a house that isn't built yet. And it's right next to the planned data centre. We just seem to be in a situation where we can't do anything about it. We can't believe that it was just at the end of October that people began to find out anyway. She exchanged in July."
Uncertainty for the family
The plans are still at an early stage and no planning application has yet been submitted to Durham County Council. Mr Morrow said his daughter had paid for a home with a view and was now worried about the proposed substation nearby as well, as being able to sell the property in future.
He said: "She's in a kind of a catch-22 situation, isn't she? So she's exchanged. How's she going to sell it now? It was going to be their forever home. Now, in a sense, it may well have to be. They might not have any choice about that."
Responses from developers
Gleeson Homes said the information it had about the proposed data centre was the same as that available to the public. A spokesperson said: "We understand there is currently no live planning application for the proposed data centre, and therefore the information available to us at this stage is the same as that available in the public domain.
"Lyons Edge has been a popular development and is now nearing completion, with the majority of homes sold. Should a planning application for the data centre be submitted, residents will have the opportunity to view the proposals and engage with the formal planning process as part of the usual consultation arrangements."
A spokesperson for Tract said: "Durham Technology Park is at an early design stage, and what we heard tonight will help inform the proposals alongside the technical and environmental assessments required through the planning process.
"We recognise that a development of this scale raises important questions, including water, power, traffic, landscape, ecology, noise, and local opportunities. Our aim is to plan responsibly and ensure Murton, South Hetton and the wider East Durham area can share in the opportunities of the digital economy."
