More than 15,000 people have signed a petition calling on Somerset Council to halt plans for a large data centre development in Bridgwater. The proposed facility, covering an area equivalent to 180 football fields, has been described by opponents as an “abhorrent eyesore” that would spoil the character of the Somerset countryside.
Data centres serve various functions, including hosting internet services, data storage, and running artificial intelligence programmes. A significant environmental concern raised by opponents is the substantial water consumption required for cooling the computer servers. Many fear this could exacerbate the existing drought conditions in the region.
One petition signer remarked: “The Somerset Levels already face challenges with winter flooding and summer drought. Conditions this year highlight these struggles, with local farmers risking a lack of forage for livestock and insufficient water to sustain their animals in the fields.”
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Another expressed concern: “With much of England experiencing drought due to persistent heatwaves, the last thing we need is a data centre consuming more clean water. We do not want or need this development.”
The South West, including Somerset, is currently enduring drought conditions following five heatwaves this summer, potentially making 2023 the hottest year on record. Wessex Water recently announced its first hosepipe ban in 50 years amid “record levels of demand”.
Beyond water use, the petition also highlights that the Somerset Levels are low-lying and prone to flooding, raising fears that run-off from the data centre could worsen flood risks. The area experienced extensive flooding in February after heavy rainfall, which not only poses safety concerns but can also damage property and increase insurance premiums.
In addition to environmental objections, some local residents voiced worries about the visual impact, fearing the data centre would mar the scenic and tranquil Somerset countryside.
Proponents of the data centre argue that such facilities are essential infrastructure in the modern economy, akin to farms or factories, providing jobs and supporting economic growth.
Sir Ashley Fox, MP for Bridgwater, commented: “Data centres are increasingly important to the UK’s infrastructure, supporting AI growth and the wider digital economy. Somerset Council approached me about creating an AI Growth Zone, considering two potential sites: the Gravity Campus and Horsey Lane.
“Given flooding risks and possible traffic congestion near Horsey Lane, I prefer the Gravity Campus, where infrastructure upgrades are already underway including road improvements and a new motorway junction. No planning application has been submitted yet, and I expect that all concerns-flooding, highways, water and energy use, and environmental impact-will be thoroughly examined during the planning process.
“Local residents will have opportunities to review proposals and submit their views when a planning application is made, which I will scrutinise carefully.”
A Somerset Council spokesperson added: “Any planning application would be publicly available on the Somerset Council planning portal. Like all developments, data centres are assessed against national and local planning policies, with environmental factors such as landscape impact, biodiversity, transport, energy and water use, and noise given careful consideration.
Applicants are required to provide detailed technical assessments to inform decision-making. We understand community concerns about large-scale developments and the use of land, environmental impact, and infrastructure demands.
The planning process is designed to address these issues thoroughly, factoring in evidence from applicants, statutory consultations, and local community feedback before decisions are reached.
At the same time, data centres can offer benefits such as investment, construction jobs, skilled employment opportunities, and vital digital infrastructure support for businesses, public services, and residents.
Each application is considered on its merits, with no decision made until all relevant planning considerations and community views have been taken into account.”