A petition opposing plans to build a large data centre in Bridgwater has garnered over 15,000 signatures, urging Somerset Council to reconsider the project. The proposed facility, expected to cover an area equivalent to 180 football fields, has been described by opponents as an “abhorrent eyesore” that could disrupt the region’s natural beauty.
Data centres play a crucial role in modern technology, hosting internet services, storing vast amounts of data, and supporting artificial intelligence operations. However, their substantial water usage to cool servers has raised alarm amid ongoing drought conditions in the region.
Signatories have expressed concern over the impact on local water supplies. One petitioner commented, “The Somerset Levels already struggle with winter flooding and summer drought. Conditions this year highlight these challenges, with local farmers facing shortages of forage and insufficient water to sustain livestock in the fields.”
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Another added, “With England enduring widespread drought and repeated heatwaves, the last thing we need is a data centre consuming even more clean water. This development is neither necessary nor welcome.”
The South West is currently experiencing drought, exacerbated by five heatwaves this summer, contributing to what may become the hottest year on record. In response, Wessex Water recently imposed the first hosepipe ban in fifty years, citing record levels of consumer demand.
Beyond water usage, concerns have been raised about the Somerset Levels’ susceptibility to flooding. The site’s low-lying terrain is prone to inundation, and there are fears that stormwater runoff from a large data centre could worsen flood risks. Earlier this year, heavy rainfall caused significant flooding across Somerset, leading to damage to homes, businesses, and increased insurance costs.
Many locals have also voiced worries about the visual impact of the data centre on the serene countryside. One supporter of the petition stated, “The beautiful and peaceful Somerset countryside will be ruined by this abhorrent eyesore.”
Advocates for the project argue that data centres are vital infrastructure in the digital age, comparable to farms and factories. They highlight potential economic benefits, including job creation and support for the regional economy.
Sir Ashley Fox, MP for Bridgwater, emphasised the importance of data centres in national infrastructure and AI development. He noted that Somerset Council approached him to back the creation of an AI Growth Zone with two possible locations: the Gravity Campus and Horsey Lane. Given concerns about flooding and traffic at Horsey Lane, he prefers the Gravity Campus site, which already hosts development such as the Agratas factory, has improved transport links, and a new motorway junction planned.
Sir Ashley added that no planning application has been submitted yet, and that all environmental, traffic, water, and energy concerns should be thoroughly examined during the planning process. He encouraged residents to review proposals and provide feedback once official plans are made public.
A Somerset Council spokesperson remarked that any application would be available on their planning portal for public scrutiny. The council assesses all planning proposals against national and local policies, with careful consideration of environmental impact, including landscape, biodiversity, transport, energy usage, water resources, noise, and other factors.
They acknowledged residents' concerns about large-scale developments but emphasised that the planning process incorporates input from statutory bodies and local communities before decisions are finalised. The council also noted potential benefits of data centres, such as investment, construction activity, skilled employment opportunities, and bolstering digital infrastructure vital for businesses and public services.
The spokesperson concluded that each application is evaluated on its individual merits, with decisions made only after all relevant considerations and community feedback have been taken into account.