OVER 10,000 people have signed a petition opposing a huge £2 billion AI data centre in the Scottish Borders.
Last month, the company behind the proposed development – situated west of Duns, between the villages of Longformacus and Westruther on the Lammermuir Hills – started its planning application to the Scottish Borders Council.
The plan comprises three large two-storey data centre buildings, each with a height up to 24m, and led to alarm in the local communities.
A campaign was also launched under the banner of “Save the Lammermuirs – Stop the Data Centre”.
But the company, Sunlaws, defended it – saying the “sustainably designed” data centre is expected to maintain 145 high-quality local jobs, and over 250 across Scotland, with around 1000 jobs in the construction phase.
When operational, the centre will represent a total of £2 billion investment in the Scottish economy, according to the company.
But a petition has now built up steam opposing the move, with over 10,000 now adding their signatures on change.org.
“This proposal would introduce a major industrial development into a Special Landscape Area (SLA), raising serious concerns about landscape impact, wildlife, energy demand, infrastructure, light pollution, noise and long-term environmental consequences,” the petition states.
“We are not anti-technology and we are not opposed to sustainable development. However, we believe developments of this scale must be located in the right places, with full transparency, robust scrutiny and clear public benefit.
“We believe this proposal is the wrong development in the wrong place.”
Those adding their signature include Liz from Duns, who said: “This proposed data centre is near my home. We are a tiny village with already-overstretched infrastructure. The reason my family puts up with bad roads, electric grid issues, water supply issues, etc. is to live in an area of outstanding natural beauty, with abundant wildlife.”
She added: “The southern uplands walking trail passes close by the proposed site, currently allowing thousands of people to enjoy the beauty of the Lammermuirs. This project would harm local villages and be devastating to nature.”
Karen from Sandbach also said: “This is my family home area, it is one of the few untouched areas and should not be used for an ecologically disastrous development.”
