Residents in the Devon town of Great Torrington are voicing strong opposition to a proposed AI data centre and battery energy storage system that could span up to 850 acres in the nearby village of Alverdiscott. The development, proposed by Xlinks, has ignited a community outcry over its potential environmental impact and scale, which locals argue would "destroy" the surrounding countryside and town.
A petition launched by the community group "Leave Devon Alone" has garnered over 25,500 signatures, with organizers stating the campaign has reached more than 500,000 people and collected over 300 detailed statements from concerned residents. Niamh Shearing, co-founder of the group, described the proposal as one of the largest industrial developments ever considered in North Devon.
Concerns raised by residents include the visual impact of the facility, potential noise pollution from cooling systems, and the strain on local infrastructure. Matt Whittaker, a former Torrington Town Hall trustee, highlighted discrepancies between an early AI-generated image of the campus and the potential reality, noting the image showed far fewer battery containers than anticipated and did not accurately represent the site's scale. He also pointed to an initial mapping error by Xlinks that included private farmland without prior consultation.
Andrew Giles, Chair of the Torrington Conservators, expressed worries about the potential impact on the River Torridge, fearing contamination if water is taken and returned. He also questioned the company's job creation figures, suggesting that data centres typically rely heavily on automation.
Xlinks has countered these concerns, asserting that the AI-generated image was illustrative and not representative of the final scheme. The company stated that the final layout of the 1720 battery container units would be determined through the planning process. Regarding noise, Xlinks stated that strict limits would be enforced and noise buffers, such as landscaping, would be implemented.
The company also addressed water usage, explaining that the site would be self-sufficient, recirculating water for cooling and topped up by collected rainwater, with no discharge into local waterways. On job creation, Xlinks projected 650 to 1,200 permanent jobs, in addition to 2,000 to 3,500 construction jobs and further roles in the supply chain.
An initial public consultation period scheduled for July 14-17 was postponed by Xlinks by three months, a decision that drew criticism from local groups who viewed it as "cowardly" and an attempt to delay community engagement. Xlinks stated the postponement was to allow for more informal meetings with the community to address questions and concerns.
Despite the company's assurances, local opposition remains strong, with residents emphasizing the potential for permanent damage to the countryside, farming, wildlife, and the overall character of their communities. The proposed development is situated approximately one mile from Great Torrington, impacting the areas between Great Torrington, Huntshaw, and Weare Gifford.