Petition Against Borders Data Centre Gains Momentum
A petition opposing plans for a data centre in the Borders, described by critics as a "monster," has amassed nearly 7,000 signatures within a week.
Campaign group Save the Lammermuirs – Stop the Data Centre (SLSDC) has criticized the proposals, calling it the
"wrong development in the wrong place".
Details of the Southside Proposal
Sunlaws Development Company (SDC) has proposed the £2bn Southside project, which would be located west of Duns, between the villages of Longformacus and Westruther. The company stated that the development would generate 145 high-quality local jobs.
Community Engagement Through Consultation Events
Two consultation events have been held recently to provide local residents with information about the plans. The first took place at Longformacus village hall, followed by a second session at Westruther village hall on Wednesday.
Project Background and Employment Impact
SDC, a partnership formed by Roxburghe Estates and the local landowner, indicated that the construction phase could create up to 1,000 jobs. Upon completion, the project would consist of three two-storey buildings featuring "green roofs" planted with moorland species, designed to integrate with the surrounding landscape.
Future Consultations and Planning Application
Additional consultation events are planned prior to the submission of a full planning application.
Opposition and Environmental Concerns
Opposition to the project emerged swiftly as details became public. The campaign group argued that the site is unsuitable for an "industrial-scale data centre." They expressed concerns that the development would consume vast amounts of electricity and diminish the "life and beauty from the landscape."
The group has urged Scottish Borders Council to oppose the plans should a full planning application be submitted.
