Massive data centre could be built near Devon

Bigger than 180 football pitches

A data centre larger than 180 football pitches could be built near the M5 in Bridgwater if plans are taken forward.

Express Distribution Park Ltd, which is based in Bridgwater, submitted initial plans (known as a screening request) on Christmas Eve to build a data centre on land between the A39 Bath Road and an existing solar farm east of the motorway, not far from junction 23.

The plans indicate the facility will cover 129 hectares (nearly 319 acres) and could reach up to 28 metres in height – making it a highly prominent addition to the local landscape.

Somerset Council approved the initial screening request despite local objections, meaning that more comprehensive proposals will now be brought forward by the eventual operator of the facility.

The proposed data centre will be accessed from Bath Road and will require around 500MW of power – the majority of which will come from the neighbouring solar farm.

No detailed masterplan of the data centre has been published, nor does the screening request specify which company would operate the facility or how many jobs it would create.

However, the plans do state the development will “include significant areas of green and blue infrastructure, creating new opportunities for accessing sport, leisure and well-being facilities and delivering biodiversity net gain”.

The plans also state that it could take three-and-a-half years to construct the facility if approval is granted – meaning it will most likely enter service some time in the early-2030s, long after the nearby gigafactory is operational.

A spokesperson for Lichfields (representing the applicant) said: “Digital technology is an integral part of day-to-day life, characterised by unprecedented connectivity and information exchange, and altering how people interact, work, learn and entertain.

“As the utilisation and reach of digital technology has increased, so too has the
demand for data centres (i.e. facilities that store, and provide access to data and applications via cloud connectivity), such that they are now considered to represent essential infrastructure.

“Somerset is home to an increasingly dynamic economic that is transitioning to a digital economy and attracting businesses in increasingly varied sectors.”

Bridgwater Without Parish Council objected to the screening request, arguing the development could exacerbate localised flooding and lead to increased HGV traffic during its construction.

Parish clerk K. Lang said: “Most of the site lies within flood zone 3 [areas which the Environment Agency seems most at risk of flooding].

“The development introduces large impermeable structures and extensive hard-standing on low-lying land.

“The scoping documents do not demonstrate that flood risk can be safely mitigated, either on site or downstream.

“The proposed buildings, up to 28 metres in height, will be prominent across the Levels, Puriton and Horsey.

“Construction over three-and-a-half years will generate significant HGV movements on the A39 and local roads.

“The applicant has not yet demonstrated that this location is the least impactful option.”

More detailed proposals are expected to be submitted to Somerset Council later in the year.