As plans progress for a new data centre near the M5 in Somerset, local officials have issued warnings about the potential environmental impact of artificial intelligence infrastructure. The Department of Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has identified Somerset, particularly the Bridgwater area, as a prime location for AI growth, citing its robust infrastructure and potential to support facilities like data centres.
Somerset Council recently approved a preliminary screening request by Express Distribution Park Ltd for a data centre situated between the A39 Bath Road and an existing solar farm east of the motorway, near junction 23 of the M5. Despite this endorsement, Councillor Henry Hobhouse, representing the Castle Cary division, expressed serious reservations about the strain such developments could place on Somerset’s power grid and water supply if not managed properly—especially if multiple data centres are established in the same region.
Speaking at a climate and place scrutiny committee meeting in Taunton, Councillor Hobhouse commented, “The AI site is near water and has strong electricity supply—thankfully. But with recent planning refusals in the US over AI’s environmental damage, we need assurances that additional AI facilities in Somerset will only proceed where infrastructure can support them sustainably.”
In response, Councillor Mike Rigby, portfolio holder for economic development, planning, and assets, emphasized AI’s potential to boost economic growth while highlighting Somerset’s official designation as a “high-potential AI growth zone.” He noted that government-backed initiatives view data centres as critical national infrastructure, and the county is committed to supporting such investments to enhance local innovation, job creation, and skill development.
Since submitting an expression of interest in May 2025, Somerset has been recognized by DSIT as a priority AI growth area. Still, Councillor Rigby acknowledged the limits of local infrastructure capacity, despite the additional clean energy supply anticipated from Hinkley Point C, which will generate up to 3.2GW of renewable electricity. He stressed the importance of the Local Plan in guiding sustainable commercial and industrial development, including data centres, to avoid unregulated expansion and resource overuse.
Additionally, ongoing inquiries by This Is Gravity Ltd into potential data centre and innovation centre development within the Gravity enterprise zone indicate further growth opportunities, balanced against infrastructure constraints and environmental considerations.
Both councillors highlighted the need for careful planning to reconcile the economic benefits of AI and data centre expansion with Somerset’s environmental sustainability and resource management.