Villagers' concern over AI data centre plans
Phil Harrison/BBCResidents have shared their concerns about proposals to bring a £3bn 145-acre (59-hectare) AI data centre to a village in Kent.
AI data centres are giant warehouses full of powerful computers used to run digital services including film streaming and online banking.
Infrastructure developer Clearstone said the site, which could be built in New Barn Road in Southfleet, was designed to meet growing demand for "AI-ready digital infrastructure" near London.
Local resident Anne Hackett said Southfleet would become "a village lost within a giant AI data centre", while fellow resident Lorraine Hills said it would "ruin the area".
Lena Norman, who works at The Ship Inn in the village, said: "I don't think we need this sort of development around here, there's enough data centres already.
"The country roads aren't very wide and it'll cause traffic jams all the way to the A2."
While local resident Trisha Lindfield said: "It makes me cross as we are just rode over roughshod.
"Nobody has told me about this until now. I'm angry."
Clearstone said the location was chosen because of the land, high-speed connectivity and talent pool needed to deliver "the next generation of AI-based applications".
Project director Simon Rothwell said: "The Ebbsfleet AI Data Centre Campus is an exciting opportunity to create high-skilled local jobs and drive business growth in the Dartford area while supporting the UK's goal of harnessing the economic benefits of being an AI leader.
"Our aim is to develop a cutting-edge facility that boosts the local and national economy and responds sensitively to its surroundings through careful design and landscaping."
Clearstone said two-fifths of the site would be allocated for landscaping, biodiversity enhancement and the creation of a new publicly accessible green space and community facilities.
Local residents will be able to have their say on what community benefits could be delivered in the upcoming consultations, which begin in autumn.
If the site is approved, it is expected to need 750 workers to build it over three years, with a further 420 on-site jobs when it becomes operational.
Clearstone is aiming to submit an application in 2028 with a targeted operational start date of 2030.
