Environmental Impact Plans Submitted for £2bn Data Centre
Developers behind the proposed £2bn data centre project in the hills of southern Scotland have submitted plans to assess the environmental impact of the scheme.
The Sunlaws Development Company (SDC), a subsidiary of Roxburghe Estates, stated that it has taken community concerns into account during the planning process.
A local campaign group, Save the Lammermuirs – Stop the Data Centre (SLSDC), has been established to oppose the development, describing it as a "monster" and "the wrong development in the wrong place."
Jaap Röell, chief executive of Roxburghe Estates, explained that the company made a "deliberate choice" to engage with the community early to "understand local concerns" and incorporate them into the project's assessment.
The scoping report was submitted to Scottish Borders Council (SBC) following two public information days held to discuss the plans, which are located west of Duns, between the villages of Longformacus and Westruther.
The report highlights issues raised during consultations, including visual impact, noise, traffic, and potential economic benefits.
"The scoping report sets out a clearly defined, proportionate and transparent approach to the environmental assessment, and we are now asking SBC to help us confirm the methodology is right," said Röell.
"The key issues raised through the consultation will be addressed thoroughly in the full environmental impact assessment."
Community Engagement and Project Transparency
SDC has indicated it would support 145 high-quality local jobs and has launched a new website dedicated to the project.
"The new website makes it easier for people to access accurate, up-to-date information and to stay involved as the project develops," added Röell.
"Transparency matters to us, which is why we are going over and above the statutory requirements for consultation.
"We would much rather people hear the facts directly from us, and have a clear route to ask questions, than rely on often misleading second-hand accounts."
A full environmental impact assessment and planning application are not expected to be submitted until "late 2026 at the earliest."
Opposition Campaign and Concerns
Despite the ongoing consultation, opposition to the project has already gathered thousands of signatures.
The campaign group argues that the proposed location is unsuitable for an "industrial-scale data centre."
They also express concerns that the development would consume vast amounts of electricity and diminish the "life and beauty from the landscape."
The group has called on SBC to oppose the plans if a full planning application is submitted.
