Lane Cove Council raises environmental impact concerns over planned $216m data centre in Lane Cove West

Plans for a $216 million data centre in Lane Cove West that would service the rise in “cloud-based industries” across Australia have been brought down to earth by an environmental impact assessment by council planners.

A concept plan of the $216 million facility in Lane Cove West.

Plans for a $216 million data centre in Lane Cove West that would service the rise in “cloud-based industries” across Australia have been brought down to earth by an environmental impact assessment by council planners.

A report by Lane Cove Council has flagged a string of concerns to the four-storey development proposed at 1 Sirius Rd including an “unacceptable loss” of 125 trees on the 39,453 sqm site.

In a submission lodged to the Department of Planning, the council also objected to potential impacts on environmentally sensitive areas along the Lane Cove River to the west of the site including freshwater swamp forests, estuarine saltmarsh and swamp oak forests.

An aerial view of the proposed development.

Similar concerns were raised in a submission by the Lane Cove Bushland and Conservation Society that stated the site served as an important corridor for local wildlife.

The council has called for the building to be redesigned to reduce impacts on native vegetation and groundwater flows on sensitive areas along the Lane Cove River.

Planning documents lodged on behalf of technology company AirTrunk show the building would have 19 data halls, a substation, loading docks and 76 car parking spaces.

Plans show the development would back on bushland along the Lane Cove River.

A council spokeswoman said the recommended changes to the building were aimed at striking a “better balance between economic benefits and creating sustainable environments”.

“The council submission calls for a considered and responsive approach that seeks to protect our unique and sensitive environment while accommodating this significant development opportunity,” she said in a statement.

A tree impact report lodged in the plans shows 73 per cent of trees on the site would be cleared to make way for the building. The report stated native vegetation would be replanted in the northern sections of the site once construction was completed.

Plans show 125 trees on the site would be removed to make way for the development.

If approved, the data centre would operate 24 hours a day and employ up to 100 people.

Plans state the facility would service data-reliant industries including companies specialising in artificial intelligence and virtual reality.

The Department of Planning has given AirTrunk until August 7 to respond to the submissions.

The North Shore Times has contacted the company for comment but did not receive a response at the time of publication.

Lane Cove councillors have voted to raise the council’s objections with Planning Minister and Lane Cove State Liberal MP Anthony Roberts.