Key facts
- Scottish police anticipate significant public opposition to a proposed datacentre in Larbert.
- The police have advised the developer to implement robust security measures.
- Nearly 7,000 people have filed objections to the Larbert datacentre.
- Local protests have occurred, with more planned, highlighting concerns about health and environmental impacts.
- A recent Scottish National party motion seeks to freeze new datacentre developments in Scotland.
Scottish police have indicated that a proposed datacentre development in Larbert is likely to face significant public opposition, necessitating robust security measures to prevent disruptions. In a letter submitted as part of a planning consultation, police advised the developer, Apatura, to collaborate on preventing "unplanned incursions."
This acknowledgment from the police highlights growing public unease regarding datacentre projects across the UK. In Scotland alone, at least 23 "hyperscale" datacentre proposals are in the planning stages, which, if realized, could collectively consume more than 1.5 times Scotland's peak power demand. The Larbert project has already garnered nearly 7,000 objections.
Local opposition has manifested in protests, with a recent demonstration in Larbert drawing over 100 participants. Further protests are planned, including one in Edinburgh. The Scottish National party has passed a motion to freeze new datacentre developments, a move that could impact the UK's AI strategy.
Concerns raised by residents and groups like Action to Protect Rural Scotland (APRS) include the environmental and health impacts of the datacentre's proposed 200 diesel generators, potential release of nitrous oxide, and noise pollution, particularly given the proximity to a care home and a large hospital. Some opposition is also framed as a symbolic protest against the broader implications of AI and big tech, with datacentres seen as the visible infrastructure of these technologies.