A petition opposing plans to construct a large data centre in Bridgwater on the Somerset Levels has gained over 15,000 signatures. Protesters describe the proposed development, which would cover an area equivalent to 180 football pitches, as an “abhorrent eyesore” that could disrupt the region’s peaceful countryside.
Data centres are vital facilities that support internet hosting, information storage, and the operation of AI programmes. However, they require significant water resources to cool their servers, raising concerns amid the current drought conditions.
Several petitioners highlighted the area’s susceptibility to both flooding in winter and drought in summer. One signatory noted, “The Somerset Levels already struggle with winter flooding and summer drought. Conditions this year are making that abundantly clear, with local farmers currently risking running out of forage to feed livestock and lacking the water to keep their animals in the fields.”
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Another added, “England is already experiencing drought across the majority of the country due to constant heatwaves. The last thing any of us need is a data centre taking away even more clean water. We don’t need or want this.”
The South West is currently enduring a drought following five heatwaves this summer. Wessex Water recently announced its first hosepipe ban in 50 years, citing “record levels of demand”.
Aside from water usage, concerns have been raised about the flood-prone nature of the Somerset Levels and the risk that surface run-off from the data centre could exacerbate flood events. Earlier this year, heavy rain caused widespread flooding in Somerset, resulting in damage to homes and businesses and increased insurance costs.
Visual impact is another issue for locals; many worry the large data centre would spoil the area’s natural beauty.
Supporters of the project emphasise the importance of data centres as critical infrastructure, comparable to farms or factories, which can also generate employment and strengthen the local economy.
Sir Ashley Fox, MP for Bridgwater, acknowledged these points, stating, “Data centres are an increasingly important part of the UK’s national infrastructure, supporting the growth of AI and the wider digital economy. When Somerset Council approached me to support the creation of an AI Growth Zone, it was on the basis that there were two potential sites, the Gravity Campus and Horsey Lane.”
He added, “Given the flooding risks and potential highway congestion at Horsey Lane, my strong preference has been for the development to be at the Gravity Campus, where the Agratas factory is already under construction, nearby roads have been upgraded and a new motorway junction is planned.”
Sir Ashley emphasised that no planning application has yet been submitted and that all concerns, including flooding, traffic, water use, energy consumption, and environmental impact, would be thoroughly assessed during the planning process.
A Somerset Council spokesperson confirmed, “Any planning application will be publicly available on Somerset Council’s planning portal, with full details and supporting documents. Applications for data centres are evaluated against national and local planning policies, considering factors such as landscape, biodiversity, transport, energy and water usage, noise, and other environmental impacts.”
The spokesperson continued, “We understand residents' concerns regarding large-scale developments. The planning process is designed to carefully examine all evidence, statutory consultations, and community feedback before decisions are made.”
They also highlighted potential benefits, noting, “Data centres can bring investment, construction activity, skilled employment opportunities, and support critical digital infrastructure relied upon by businesses, public services, and residents.”
“Each application is considered on its own merits, with no decisions made until all relevant matters and community views have been taken into account,” the statement concluded.