Fury as enormous data centre with 24/7 noise plotted for tiny UK village
A small village in Scotland is fighting plans for an enormous data centre. The proposed development will be the world’s second-largest data centre, covering an area larger than 100 football pitches and standing at 35m tall.
TL;DR
- A proposed data centre in Auchtertool, Scotland, is facing significant local opposition.
- The development is planned to be the world's second-largest data centre, covering over 100 football pitches and standing 35m tall.
- Residents are concerned about the data centre's heat output (estimated to raise local temperatures by 9C), water consumption, infrared noise, flood risks, and energy usage.
- Over 1,600 objections have been lodged, with locals organizing protests.
- Concerns include potential devaluation of properties and the impact on the village's character.
- Developers ILI Group claim the project will create hundreds of jobs, with independent analysis suggesting significant job-years during construction and operational roles.
- ILI Group states the proposal is subject to planning processes and has been supported by technical assessments, vowing to continue community engagement.