North Devon, UK — Residents are rising against plans for one of Europe’s largest AI datacenters proposed by Xlinks. The project aims to build a massive 1.5GW AI datacenter and a 1.8GW battery energy storage system on 344 hectares of countryside within a UNESCO-designated biosphere reserve. This initiative has sparked a strong backlash from local communities, driven by environmental concerns and a perceived lack of transparency in the planning process.

The anger among residents in towns like Great Torrington is clear. Activists argue that this major infrastructure project threatens the ecological integrity of the area. They have mobilized tens of thousands of people across the region, echoing similar movements in the United States against large-scale datacenter projects. Community members and environmental activists believe the proposed site is inappropriate and poses risks to local resources and the environment.

Community Concerns Over Environmental Impact

Opposition to the AI datacenter is largely based on environmental concerns. Local activists worry about the potential destruction of prime farmland and the ecological balance within the UNESCO biosphere. The Devon Datacentre and BESS action group has highlighted the risks associated with the project, including high water consumption, possible air pollution, and threats to local wildlife.

Research shows that under extreme conditions, like heatwaves, the facility could use up to 2.9 billion liters of water annually. This raises serious questions about water availability, especially as North Devon faces ongoing drought conditions. Activists argue that the project’s water usage could worsen existing shortages and threaten local agriculture, which relies heavily on the region’s water resources. Local farmers are particularly concerned, fearing that the datacenter’s demands could deplete groundwater essential for their crops.

Additionally, the proposed datacenter’s construction could increase traffic, noise pollution, and disrupt the landscape. The community fears these changes will alter their rural environment and impact their quality of life. The potential relocation of listed buildings to make way for the datacenter has added to the discontent. Many residents feel their historical heritage is at stake. The project’s footprint could irreversibly change the landscape, cherished by locals for generations.

Local farmers are particularly concerned, fearing that the datacenter’s demands could deplete groundwater essential for their crops.

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The local council, Torridge District Council, has faced criticism for its handling of the project. Documents obtained through Freedom of Information requests revealed that discussions between Xlinks and council officials began as early as March 2025, long before the public was informed. This lack of transparency has fueled suspicions that the council is prioritizing corporate interests over community welfare. Residents feel sidelined in a decision that could drastically impact their lives, with many demanding a more inclusive planning approach.

Economic Implications and Community Activism

While Xlinks claims the datacenter will create between 600 and 1,200 jobs, many residents are skeptical about the actual economic benefits. Career Ahead’s analysis finds that the promised jobs may not offset the potential negative impacts on local businesses and agriculture. The fear is that while a few may benefit from employment at the datacenter, the broader community could suffer due to environmental degradation and loss of agricultural land. Local business owners worry that the influx of workers could strain local resources and infrastructure without providing significant long-term benefits.

Community activists are using strategies similar to those in successful campaigns against datacenters in the US. They are leveraging social media, organizing public meetings, and gathering signatures for petitions to demand greater accountability from both Xlinks and the local council. A recent petition has gathered over 30,000 signatures, calling for a halt to all datacenter projects outside designated AI growth zones. This mobilization reflects a significant shift in public sentiment regarding large infrastructure projects. Activists have also formed coalitions with environmental groups, amplifying their message and increasing pressure on decision-makers.

Activists are advocating for a national conversation on AI infrastructure. They emphasize the need for regulations that ensure such projects are environmentally sustainable and socially responsible. The Devon community is calling for a more transparent planning process that genuinely involves local residents in decision-making. The growing resistance is not just about this single project; it represents a broader movement against unchecked corporate expansion into rural areas.

Community activists are using strategies similar to those in successful campaigns against datacenters in the US.

As tensions rise, the future of the proposed AI datacenter hangs in the balance. The council has assured the public that all planning applications will be handled with care, but many remain unconvinced. Ongoing protests and community engagement signal that this issue will not be resolved quietly. Local residents are prepared to continue their fight, drawing on the strength of their community and lessons learned from similar movements elsewhere.

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The revolt against the AI datacenter in North Devon reflects a growing trend of community activism influencing major infrastructure projects. As more residents become aware of the potential impacts of such developments, similar movements may arise across the UK and beyond. The outcome of the North Devon situation could set a precedent for how future datacenter projects are approached, especially in sensitive environmental areas.

As the conversation around AI and its infrastructure evolves, stakeholders must consider the voices of local communities. The growing resistance highlights the need for companies like Xlinks to engage meaningfully with residents and address their concerns. How this situation unfolds may shape the future of AI infrastructure development, making it essential for both investors and policymakers to take note.

Ultimately, the question remains: will the community’s resistance lead to a re-evaluation of where and how AI datacenters are built in the UK? The outcome of this struggle could have lasting implications for environmental policy and community rights in the face of corporate interests.

Environmental activists can effectively oppose large datacenter projects by organizing community meetings, using social media for awareness, and gathering signatures for petitions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main concerns of local residents regarding the AI datacenter?

Local residents are mainly concerned about the environmental impact of the proposed AI datacenter. They worry about water consumption, air pollution, and disruption to local wildlife. They fear that the project will destroy prime farmland and change the character of their rural community.

How can environmental activists effectively oppose large datacenter projects?

Environmental activists can effectively oppose large datacenter projects by organizing community meetings, using social media for awareness, and gathering signatures for petitions. Engaging with local councils and demanding transparency in the planning process are also crucial steps.

What should investors consider when planning datacenters in communities with active opposition?

Investors should assess the potential environmental impact and community sentiment before proceeding with datacenter projects. Understanding local concerns and engaging with residents early can help reduce opposition and foster a more collaborative development approach.

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