North Devon Now

What are your thoughts on the AI Devon Data & Battery Campus?

It’s important that you come to this meeting if you can.

AI Mega-Campus Planned for North Devon: Economic Game-Changer or Rural Nightmare?

A major proposal to build an AI data centre and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) on greenfield land near Alverdiscott has sparked fierce debate across North Devon, with supporters pointing to jobs and investment while critics warn of environmental and landscape impacts.

The scheme, known as the Devon Data Campus, is being promoted by Xlinks and is currently in its consultation phase. Residents are being encouraged to attend public meetings, ask questions and submit feedback before the consultation closes on 11 August. An independently chaired public meeting is due to take place at Great Torrington Town Hall, with further information events planned across the area.

The proposal comes at a time when demand for artificial intelligence infrastructure is growing rapidly across the UK and beyond. AI data centres require vast amounts of computing power, electricity and supporting infrastructure to process and store data. Experts say battery storage systems can help balance electricity demand and support renewable energy integration.

The Potential Benefits

Supporters argue the development could bring significant investment into North Devon, helping position the region at the forefront of a rapidly expanding technology sector.

Large-scale data centres often create construction jobs during development and skilled technical roles once operational. Advocates also argue that hosting digital infrastructure locally could support wider economic growth and attract future investment to the area. Similar projects elsewhere in the UK have been promoted as opportunities to strengthen digital capacity while supporting renewable energy systems through battery storage.

Some supporters also point out that modern life increasingly depends on data centres. Everything from online banking and video streaming to cloud storage, navigation apps and artificial intelligence services relies on facilities capable of processing huge amounts of information. Community discussions around similar projects often highlight the need for additional data centre capacity as demand continues to rise.

The Concerns

However, not everyone is convinced.

The proposed site is located on greenfield land, and concerns have already been raised about the cumulative impact of energy infrastructure in the Alverdiscott area. Campaign groups argue that North Devon is already facing increasing pressure from solar farms, battery storage facilities and other major energy projects.

Environmental concerns are among the most frequently raised objections. Critics worry about the loss of agricultural land, potential impacts on wildlife habitats, increased traffic during construction and the visual impact on the surrounding countryside.

Water consumption has also become a talking point in online discussions about AI data centres, although debate continues over how much water modern facilities actually use. Some contributors point to concerns raised overseas, while others argue that modern UK facilities increasingly rely on closed-loop cooling systems designed to minimise water use.

Noise is another issue frequently mentioned by residents and campaigners in discussions surrounding large data centres and battery storage facilities. Similar projects elsewhere in the UK have attracted concerns about operational noise and their impact on nearby communities.

What Happens Next?

At this stage, the project remains in consultation, meaning residents still have the opportunity to review the plans, ask questions and submit their views before any planning decisions are made. Public information events are expected to provide more detail about the proposed development, its design, environmental impacts and potential benefits.

For some, the Devon Data Campus represents a chance for North Devon to become part of Britain's growing digital economy. For others, it raises difficult questions about balancing economic development with the protection of the area's rural character.

One thing is certain: this debate is only just beginning.

What do you think?

Would a major AI data campus be a boost for North Devon's economy, or is the potential impact on the countryside too high a price to pay?

Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Barnstaple Mystery Deepens After Two Pairs of Shoes Found Near River Taw in Search for Missing Teen

The search for missing Barnstaple teenager Taylor Charlton has intensified after two pairs of shoes believed to belong to the 14-year-old were discovered along the River Taw, police have confirmed.

Taylor has now been missing for twelve days after he was last seen near Tesco Extra in the Seven Brethren area of Barnstaple at around 10.30pm on Friday, 8 May 2026.

Devon and Cornwall Police say CCTV footage shows Taylor heading in the direction of the River Taw shortly before he disappeared. Officers have since recovered two pairs of shoes believed to belong to him on consecutive days along the riverbank between Sticklepath and Bickington. The shoes were found approximately 480 metres apart on the high tide line.

The discoveries have prompted an extensive search operation focused on the River Taw and its estuary, involving specialist search teams, drones, and the police helicopter. Detectives are also carrying out a large-scale parallel investigation, including the examination of CCTV footage, house-to-house enquiries, and witness and digital investigations.

Despite the ongoing operation, Taylor has not yet been found.

The Human Rights Association (HRA) has now renewed calls for Devon and Cornwall Police and all relevant search and rescue authorities to continue deploying every available resource to the case.

The organisation praised the efforts of officers, emergency services personnel, and specialist teams involved in the search since Taylor’s disappearance.

HRA Chairman Saad Kassis-Mohamed said: “Twelve days have passed since Taylor Charlton was last seen. CCTV shows him heading towards the River Taw. Two pairs of shoes believed to be his have been found on the riverbank. The investigation is large-scale and the search operation is extensive. The HRA calls on Devon and Cornwall Police to sustain every available resource without interruption, and on anyone who holds any information not yet provided to police to call 999 immediately. The search for Taylor must continue with full intensity until he is found.”

He added: “Twelve days. CCTV heading towards the river. Two shoes found 480 metres apart on the riverbank. These are the facts as confirmed by Devon and Cornwall Police. The Human Rights Association calls on the relevant authorities to commit every available resource to this search without interruption and on anyone with information to contact police on 999 immediately, quoting reference 50260117084.”

Police have urged members of the public not to enter the search area or interfere with operations along the River Taw and its banks. Officers have also warned against drone flights in the area, saying they could disrupt search efforts and pose a danger to emergency teams.

Anyone with information about Taylor Charlton’s whereabouts, including sightings not yet reported to police, is asked to contact Devon and Cornwall Police immediately on 999 quoting reference 50260117084.

As it's Mental Health Awareness Week (11th–17th May). We wanted to share with you wise words from local Counsellor - Lisa Wickett Focusing on the impact of taking action for your mental health and how taking small steps can result in big changes, Here's the boost, your brain needs...
🧠 northdevonnow.co.uk/news/mental-health-awareness-week-2026-11th-17th-may