Somerset is poised to become a significant hub for artificial intelligence development, with the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) designating the Bridgwater area as a “high-potential AI growth zone.” This recognition comes alongside government plans to support data centres in the region, capitalizing on existing infrastructure.
In late 2025, Somerset Council approved preliminary plans from Express Distribution Park Ltd to build a data centre on land situated between the A39 Bath Road and a solar farm east of the M5 motorway, close to junction 23. While this development has economic promise, some community leaders express environmental concerns.
Councillor Henry Hobhouse, representing Castle Cary, cautions that the county’s power grid and water resources may face strain if the data centre plans are not carefully executed or if additional centres proliferate unchecked nearby. Speaking at the council’s climate and place scrutiny committee meeting in Taunton, Hobhouse highlighted the growing global awareness of AI’s environmental toll. “In parts of the USA, AI-related planning applications have been refused due to environmental damage,” he said. “We need reassurance that Somerset will limit data centres to locations where both electricity and water supplies are sustainable.”
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On the other hand, Councillor Mike Rigby, the portfolio holder for economic development, planning, and assets, emphasized AI’s vital role in economic growth. His annual report to the committee underscored the government’s classification of data centres as “critical national infrastructure.” Somerset aims to attract investment while fostering innovation clusters, creating skilled jobs, and boosting the local economy.
Rigby shared that in May 2025, Somerset submitted an expression of interest to the government for AI growth zone designation. Bridgwater, with its access to suitable land, reliable energy sources including the clean electricity that will come from Hinkley Point C, and digital infrastructure such as dark fibre, stands out as an ideal location. In February 2026, the DSIT minister for AI and online safety, Kanishka Narayan MP, confirmed Somerset’s application would be pursued as a high-potential AI growth zone.
Addressing Hobhouse’s concerns, Rigby acknowledged infrastructure limitations, noting that Somerset has a natural ceiling on how much additional demand can be supported. He advocated for clear Local Plan guidelines to direct future commercial and industrial development, including data centres, ensuring projects align with sustainable resource use and infrastructure capacity.
“There will be a limit to how many data centres we can accommodate,” Rigby stated. “Our advantage is access to 3.2GW of clean electricity from the Somerset coast and sufficient water supplies. We hope to support growth responsibly, but we must manage it carefully.”
Additionally, Rigby revealed that This Is Gravity Ltd is exploring development opportunities on the remaining portions of the Gravity enterprise zone, not allocated to the Agratas gigafactory scheduled to operate from late 2027. Potential projects include another data centre and an innovation centre, indicating ongoing momentum in the region’s tech infrastructure expansion.
The ongoing dialogue highlights the balancing act Somerset faces: promoting innovation and economic development through AI investments while safeguarding vital environmental resources.