A petition opposing plans for a major new data centre campus in Little Bollington has attracted more than 1,000 signatures.
The Change.org petition, titled "Stop the Spode Green Data Centre, Altrincham", had reached 1,047 signatures by this morning.
It was launched on October 15 by Lydia Crowther on behalf of the newly formed Spode Green Action Group, which is campaigning against the proposals.
Developer Innova wants to build a campus-style data centre on approximately 60 hectares of land south of Lymm Road, north of the M56 and west of the A556.
The site, which has an Altrincham postal address but falls within Cheshire East, is owned by the Tatton Estate, which has granted Innova an option to develop the proposals.
The scheme has prompted concerns among campaigners about its potential impact on the surrounding countryside.
According to the petition, the proposed development would occupy Green Belt land described as "high quality agricultural land" which is currently being actively farmed.
Campaigners say the site is equivalent in size to 84 football pitches and that the proposed campus would accommodate eight separate data centres.
They also claim early plans indicate an electricity demand of 401 megawatts, which they say would make Spodegreen one of the largest data centre developments in the UK.
The petition states: "As a community we are not opposed to development, but these projects should be planned responsibly, and fully consider their long-term effects on both people and the environment."
No planning application submitted
No planning application has yet been submitted for the development.
Innova expects to submit its proposals to Cheshire East Council in late 2026 or early 2027, when they would be subject to the formal planning process.
The developer has already held pre-application discussions with council planning officers during 2026.
It has also put forward the site for consideration as a strategic employment allocation in Cheshire East's emerging Local Plan.
Developer outlines potential benefits
Innova says the project would create around 350 full-time jobs and generate approximately £20 million in additional business rates for Cheshire East Council.
Its proposals include a "Living Lab" facility offering training, apprenticeships and opportunities for young people to learn about science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
The development would also feature a solar farm and a district heating energy centre, with the potential to capture and reuse waste heat generated by the data centre's servers.
Innova describes the proposals as "landscape-led", with existing trees and hedgerows retained and enhanced as part of the development.
Further consultation planned
Innova held its first public consultation event at High Legh Village Hall on September 30.
The company says a second event will take place later this year, when more detailed plans and the findings of environmental surveys will be presented.
Residents can submit comments directly to Innova by emailing contact@spodegreendc.com or calling 0800 707 4103.
However, comments submitted to the developer at this stage do not constitute formal planning objections. Residents will have an opportunity to make representations to Cheshire East Council if a planning application is submitted.
