Gen Z most wary of local data centres despite UK support

New polling suggests Gen Z is the least likely age group in the UK to support data centres being built in their local area, despite broad national backing for the sector.

A survey by YouGov for Cavendish Consulting found 44% of Gen Z respondents would support a new data centre in their area, while 31% would oppose one. Nationally, Gen Z opposition stood at 13%, highlighting a gap between general acceptance and local proximity.

Across all adults surveyed, support for new data centres nationwide was 69%. Asked about developments in their own area, support fell to 56%. Opposition rose from 10% nationally to 21% locally.

Expansion plans

The findings come as the UK Government plans a significant increase in domestic data centre capacity, linked to ambitions around artificial intelligence and wider productivity. Capacity is expected to rise from 1.6GW in 2024 to between 3.3GW and 6.3GW by 2030, according to figures cited alongside the survey.

Developers and local authorities face several constraints as proposals move through planning. Grid connections, land availability, local infrastructure, and community attitudes can all affect timelines. The survey suggests sentiment shifts sharply when people think a facility may be built near where they live.

For Gen Z, the gap between national and local views was more pronounced than in older cohorts. The results suggest support for digital infrastructure does not automatically translate into acceptance of individual sites, even among people who have grown up with online services and cloud computing.

Jobs narrative

The research points to employment as a key factor in building local support. Nearly half of respondents (49%) said new local jobs would make them more likely to back a data centre in their area; among those who already support local development, that rose to 58%.

Jobs also mattered most for persuadable Gen Z respondents. New local jobs was the top factor that could move them towards supporting a development (45%), followed by lower energy bills (37%).

However, the survey material noted a potential mismatch between perceptions and the sector's current employment footprint. The UK has about 450 data centres supporting around 24,300 full-time roles-an average of 54 jobs per site. Labour needs vary by facility size, design, and operating model, and much of the work occurs during construction rather than long-term operations.

These figures are likely to shape debate in areas where projects are tied to regeneration and employment, and may influence how communities weigh economic value against pressures such as energy supply and land use.

Environmental concerns

Environmental issues were the most common reason for opposing data centres, especially locally. Across the full sample, 39% cited environmental concerns as the main driver of opposition.

Respondents raised concerns about impacts on the local environment, pressure on energy supply, and water use. The survey summary said water was a more prominent issue for Gen Z than for older groups.

The results also suggest mitigation offers may have limited impact on opponents. Only 22% of Gen Z respondents who oppose or are undecided said investment in green space would change their view. A quarter of opponents said nothing would persuade them to support a local data centre.

The political context is also shifting. Separate YouGov polling commissioned by Cavendish Consulting in late February found 46% of young people would vote Green, which may add pressure on local decision-making as elections approach and planning committees face scrutiny.

Developers have increasingly highlighted efficiency measures, renewable energy procurement, and water management in planning submissions. The survey suggests these themes may need clearer communication, particularly with younger residents who place greater weight on ecological concerns.

Max Camplin, Executive Director at Cavendish Consulting, said:

"While national support for data centres is strong, local backing depends on credibility. Environmental impact is the top driver of opposition, particularly among younger audiences who prioritise ecological protection over economic benefits. The sector must address this head-on, countering misconceptions and clearly demonstrating how impacts are prevented. Above all, developers should speak the language of each community, tailoring messages to local priorities and political context, with environmental responsibility running as a golden thread throughout."

The survey covered 2,124 UK adults aged 18 and over. The results point to a planning environment where national policy objectives and local consent may not always align as capacity expansion gathers pace.