Iron Horse data center proposal gets planning commission’s backing despite public opposition
The Hanover County Planning Commission voted 5-2 to recommend approval for the Iron Horse data center campus, despite significant public opposition regarding water usage, electricity consumption, and traffic. The project, which includes rezoning 78 acres, will now go to the Hanover County Board of Supervisors for a final decision. Part of the project has already received approval in the Town of Ashland.
The Hanover County Planning Commission has voted 5-2 to recommend the approval of the Iron Horse data center campus, a significant project planned for East Patrick Henry Road in the Beaverdam District. The proposal involves rezoning approximately 78 acres from mixed-use to limited industrial, with conditions allowing buildings up to 75 feet in height. This decision comes after the project was deferred twice, and despite strong opposition from community members.
The applicant, Tradeport, highlighted that the land is designated as an employment center in the county's comprehensive plan, where data centers are a recommended use. Andrew Condlin with Roth Jackson emphasized that the project would not be developed on rural land and that 64% of the property would remain undeveloped open space. Tradeport also announced changes to the proposal, including the adoption of a closed-loop cooling system to reduce daily water usage.
Despite these assurances, dozens of community members, many affiliated with the Friends of Hanover group, voiced concerns during a public hearing about potential impacts on water and electricity resources, as well as increased traffic. Clint Robertson from Friends of Hanover stated that data centers harm local communities, animals, water resources, and the electrical grid. Some commissioners also expressed reservations regarding the absence of a noise study and a general lack of information, though the majority ultimately supported the proposal.
Commissioner Larry Leadbetter argued that the project would benefit the county by alleviating burdens on schools and emergency services, eliminating increases in water usage (referencing the closed-loop system), and addressing revenue deficits caused by residential growth. Commissioners Edmonia Iverson and Alan Abbott voted against the recommendation. The Hanover County Board of Supervisors will now make the final decision on the Iron Horse data center project.