Community groups in North Devon are challenging a proposed AI data campus. Their objections highlight concerns about the local landscape, consultation and the environmental implications of large infrastructure projects.
North Devon data centre objections
Residents and environmental groups in North Devon have launched a campaign against a proposed hyperscale AI data campus. The project, announced earlier this summer, has sparked online research, rallies and freedom of information requests by the Devon Datacentre and BESS action group. The community’s frustration stems from a perceived lack of consultation and the potential environmental impact on the protected area.
Government Support for Strategic Data Centres
The UK government has issued the Data Centre Covenant, a framework aimed at accelerating the development of strategic data centres that support security, community benefits and sustainable growth. The Covenant outlines standards for projects, including national security, energy system costs, local community benefits, efficient water and energy use, and support for UK jobs and AI hardware supply chains.
Planning Requirements in Scotland
In Scotland, data centre developments exceeding 50 MW must be reported to Scottish Ministers within seven days of validation. This direction, introduced by Public Finance Minister Hannah Mary Goodlad, aims to monitor the pipeline of large data centre applications and assess their broader infrastructure implications. The direction also mandates environmental impact assessments for sites in Fife and Edinburgh.
Balancing Technological Growth and Local Interests
The North Devon protest underscores the need for clear regulatory guidance on land use, community engagement and environmental protection for large data centre projects. While the UK government promotes strategic data centres, local communities are demanding more transparent processes and assurances that such developments will not compromise protected landscapes or local quality of life.
Sources and further reading
‘People are standing up and fighting back’: the north Devon revolt against a vast AI datacentre | Datacentres - UK | The Guardian
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026/sep/27/people-are-standing-up-and-fighting-back-north-devon-ai-datacentre
Data Centre Covenant - GOV.UK
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/data-centre-covenant
Data centre planning direction - gov.scot
https://www.gov.scot/news/data-centre-planning-direction/