North Devon residents protest planned 1.5GW AI data centre in UNESCO biosphere reserve
Xlinks plans a 1.5GW AI data centre and 1.8GW battery storage system on 344 hectares in Great Torrington’s UNESCO‑designated biosphere reserve
In Brief
- •Xlinks plans a 1.5GW AI data centre and 1.8GW battery storage system on 344 hectares in Great Torrington’s UNESCO‑designated biosphere reserve
- •The project was announced publicly in summer 2026 after council officials had been in closed talks since March 2025
- •Local campaigners, including the Devon Datacentre and BESS action group, have filed FOI requests that revealed an “in‑principle support” letter from Torridge District Council issued in April 2025
- •The protest has drawn tens of thousands of residents and activists from the US group Not in My Valley
- •The campaign cites concerns over environmental impact, land use and secrecy of pre‑application discussions
Why It Matters
The proposed campus would be one of Europe’s largest hyperscale AI facilities, potentially altering the ecological balance of a UNESCO‑protected landscape and setting a precedent for large‑scale tech projects in sensitive areas. Local opposition highlights growing tensions between rapid AI infrastructure expansion and community rights, raising questions about transparency, environmental governance, and the role of public consultation in planning decisions.
Key Details
- AI data centre capacity
- 1.5 GW
- Battery storage capacity
- 1.8 GW
- Site area
- 344 ha (850 acres)
- Number of buildings
- 5
- Council letter date
- April 2025
- FOI release date
- December 2025
Context & Background
Great Torrington lies within a UNESCO biosphere reserve, a globally protected area that balances conservation with sustainable development. The proposed AI campus would be the first of its scale to be built in such a setting, sparking debate over environmental stewardship and community consent.
Original Reporting & Sources
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