Introduction to the Southside Data Centre Proposal
A proposed data centre, which developers claim would represent a £2 billion investment in a rural area of the Borders, has been strongly criticized by opponents who describe it as a "monster" that would deplete "the life and beauty from the landscape."
The Sunlaws Development Company (SDC) has announced plans for the Southside project, which would be located west of Duns, between the villages of Longformacus and Westruther. The developers state that the project would create 145 high-quality local jobs.
Opposition and Campaign Group Response
Despite the potential economic benefits, a campaign group has called on the developers to abandon their plans. Kathleen White, a member of Save the Lammermuirs – Stop the Data Centre (SLSDC), expressed concerns about the suitability of the development.
"We believe it is the wrong development in the wrong place."
Details of the Development and Job Creation
SDC, a company formed by Roxburghe Estates and the local landowner, has indicated that the project could generate up to 1,000 jobs during the construction phase. The company also highlighted that the data centre would primarily be powered by wind farms, due to the proximity of numerous such installations.
Additionally, the location benefits from "comparatively low temperatures," which would reduce the need to draw on local water supplies for cooling purposes.
The company’s draft proposals include three two-storey buildings designed to be "screened into the landscape" with "green roofs" planted with moorland species to blend with the natural environment.
Campaign Launch and Community Concerns
Opponents of the project gathered on-site over the weekend to formally launch their campaign against the development. Kathleen White emphasized the scale and impact of the proposed data centre.
"It's an area where you can't imagine any other development of any size being permitted by SBC, let alone an industrial-scale data centre, 24m (80ft) high.
So we are calling on SBC to oppose it, if a full planning application is lodged.
We believe that the data centre will be a monster, consuming vast resources of electricity, and draining the life and beauty from the landscape. We think it is the wrong development in the wrong place."
White acknowledged the benefits of artificial intelligence (AI) but stressed that infrastructure development should be responsible.
"This proposed SDC in Longformacus is an example of highly irresponsible development," she added.
The campaign group has reached out to councillors and local Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) to seek their support against the project.
Public Consultation and Next Steps
The company is organizing its first public consultation sessions in the coming days. The initial event will take place at Longformacus village hall on Thursday from 13:00 to 19:00, followed by a second session at Westruther village hall on 10 June during the same hours.
These events aim to provide the public with information about the scheme and offer an opportunity to ask questions to the project team. Further consultation events are planned as the company progresses toward submitting a full planning application.
Additional reporting by local democracy journalist Paul Kelly.
