Village Residents Furious Over Proposed AI Data Centre
Residents of the tiny Kent village of Southfleet have expressed outrage over plans for a massive £3 billion AI data centre that would dwarf their community. The proposed Ebbsfleet AI Data Centre, spanning 145 acres, would be the largest of its kind in the UK, and developers are seeking approval directly from the Government, bypassing the local council.
Southfleet, home to fewer than 1,000 people, received letters informing them of the development on land currently used for fruit growing. Locals have described the plan as a 'disgusting idea' that threatens the character of their 'pretty village'.
Bypassing Local Democracy
One resident told the Daily Mail: 'It's disgusting. Why has it got to be built next to a village like this?' They added: 'The man from Dartford council was there, but he just said, "they by-passed us". It's not democracy. It's like living in Russia.'
The developer, Clearstone Energy, is using a mechanism that allows major infrastructure projects to go straight to the Government for approval, bypassing local planning authorities. This has angered residents who feel their voices are being ignored.
Impact on Infrastructure and Environment
Locals have raised concerns about the strain on local roads, energy, and water supplies. One resident said: 'The roads cannot take it - you can't get along the A2 at 7am as it is.' Another noted: 'It's going to take 160 acres of nice scenery,' and voiced fears about noise pollution.
The village, which has a pub, a village hall, and a primary school, could see its close-knit community disrupted. 'No one in the village wants it,' a local added.
Developer Promises Jobs and Buffer
Clearstone Energy said the project would create around 700 jobs and include a 300-yard buffer to separate the data centre from Southfleet. Simon Rothwell, project manager for the Ebbsfleet AI Data Centre Campus, said: 'It will serve millions of people. There's a national benefit but also a local benefit in terms of jobs.'
He added: 'There will be a community benefit package with the development of the data centre that will include financial support for local projects.' The company is yet to purchase the site, and the project is in its early stages.
National Context: Data Centre Expansion
Figures shared with the BBC last year showed that data centres are set to expand by a fifth across the UK. There are currently around 500 data centres in the country, housing IT infrastructure needed to train and facilitate artificial intelligence.
Despite the promised benefits, residents remain unconvinced. 'Everyone here knows about the data centre. Nobody wants it,' said another local. Concerns over re-sale values and the loss of natural beauty persist as the project moves forward.
