Historic English Estate's Price Slashed Amid Data Centre Development Concerns

Jaggards, a historic Jacobean manor house with medieval origins and a past connection to Oliver Cromwell's family, has seen its asking price reduced by £1.5 million, now being considered for offers around £1.95 million. The eight-bedroom estate, located near Bath, England, was initially listed for £3.5 million two years ago.

The substantial price drop has fueled local speculation, with many pointing to the planned construction of a large AI data centre less than half a mile away. The proposed facility, described as a 'mega' data centre, is slated to be 61 feet tall and 600 feet long, occupying former Ministry of Defence land known as the Donkey Field. This site is also the headquarters for Crown Hosting Data Centres, a joint venture between the Cabinet Office and a private tech firm.

Opponents of the data centre, who have formed the Neston Westwells Action Group (NWAG), argue that the development raises concerns about drainage, noise, and light pollution. The group points to existing data centres on the site and the potential impact on local house prices and the environment. Guy Dabell, a retired Royal Navy submarine officer and NWAG member, expressed dismay at the council's approval, stating that over 1,000 objections were submitted. He highlighted potential issues with landscaping, water usage for cooling systems, and the overall aesthetic impact of the five-storey structure.

Residents have reported difficulties selling properties due to the proximity of the data centre, with some forced to lower asking prices or take homes off the market. One four-bedroom home was reportedly advised to use a garden fence to obscure the view of the facility once operational.

Crown Hosting Data Centres has been storing data for government departments and NHS trusts since 2015, operating from multiple sites, many on former military land. The company asserts the new building is vital for national security. Despite these assurances, the NWAG remains critical, citing potential drainage problems exacerbated by the area's history of flooding and the presence of a disused mine beneath the proposed site.

Jaggards itself boasts original features dating back to the Middle Ages, formal gardens, a historic dovecote, and sits on 2.8 acres of land. The current seller, Graham Richards, who purchased the property for £600,000, has reportedly been an objector to the data centre plans. While acknowledging the high costs of maintaining the manor, a source close to Richards stated that the property is priced below its market value and has significant potential.

Ark, the private tech firm involved in Crown Hosting, states on its website that it focuses on low-impact construction and energy efficiency, aiming for a climate-neutral digital ecosystem. However, local residents like Natalie Williams, a retired recruitment director, have drawn parallels to environmental legal dramas, expressing frustration with the perceived lack of consideration for the community's concerns and the ongoing noise pollution from existing facilities.