Residents of the small Kent village of Southfleet are protesting plans to construct a £3 billion artificial intelligence (AI) data centre on 145 acres of farmland. The proposed Ebbsfleet AI Data Centre, slated to be one of the largest in the United Kingdom, is proceeding directly to the government for approval due to its designation as a nationally significant infrastructure project, bypassing local council review. This has led to accusations that developers are "short-circuiting any opposition."
Data centres, essential for housing the computing power required for digital services and AI, are considered crucial for the UK's economic ambitions. However, a construction boom in the United States has sparked a backlash from critics concerned about the visual impact, noise pollution, and substantial consumption of electricity and water for cooling.
In Southfleet, a village with fewer than 1,000 residents, the proposal has ignited significant local opposition. Residents fear the data centre will disrupt the village's quiet rural atmosphere and strain local resources. Anthony Tasselli, a resident living adjacent to the earmarked land, described the plan as "disgusting" and expressed frustration with the lack of local democratic process. "It's not democracy. It's like living in Russia," he stated.
Concerns have also been raised about the impact on the local energy grid and water supply. "Data centres use a lot of power and a lot of fresh potable water, and we've had issues with water here," noted Deborah Lawrence. Landlady Allisha Coulson of The Ship Inn voiced worries about the local road infrastructure, stating, "the roads cannot take it." Another resident expressed concern about the "constant hum" from computer equipment and cooling fans, which can be audible from a distance.
Developers Clearstone Energy plan to engage with villagers about the proposals starting in the autumn, with detailed plans not expected until 2028. Simon Rothwell, project manager for the Ebbsfleet AI Data Centre Campus, stated that the project is in its early stages and acknowledged the surprise such developments can cause. He assured that Clearstone aims to reassure residents their quality of life will not be impacted and mentioned a community benefit package, including financial support for local projects, is being considered. The company also anticipates the centre will create approximately 700 jobs and will feature a 300-yard buffer zone separating it from the village.
Rothwell emphasized the national importance of expanding data centre infrastructure to support AI development and position the UK as a leader in the field. "These things are a surprise to people but the country is in the midst of trying to build out this next generation of infrastructure," he said. The final decision on the project's approval will be made by government ministers.