Location and Developer
- The project has been proposed north of Bridgwater in Somerset, in South West England, on a roughly 130-hectare site near Horsey, close to the M5 motorway and adjacent to an existing solar farm. (Data Center Dynamics)
- Plans have been submitted through planning advisers on behalf of Express Distribution Park, a development company behind the site proposal. (Data Center Dynamics)
Scale & Capacity
- The proposed data centre campus would be one of the largest in the UK if built. (Data Center Dynamics)
- It is expected to span around 250,000 sqm (about 2.69 million sq ft) across multiple buildings. (Data Center Dynamics)
- Up to 500 MW of power capacity has been indicated — huge compared with existing UK data centres (many are 50–100 MW), meaning this facility could support large-scale cloud, AI, or high-performance computing infrastructure. (Data Center Dynamics)
Planning Process
- The developer has received approval from Somerset Council for an initial screening opinion on whether a full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is required — a key early step in the planning process. (Data Center Dynamics)
- Full planning applications and detailed environmental studies are expected to follow before construction can start. (Data Center Dynamics)
- It remains unclear whether a major operator or end-user (e.g., cloud provider or AI company) has signed up yet. (Data Center Dynamics)
Infrastructure and Connectivity
- The site’s proximity to the M5 and an existing solar farm suggests priority on power availability and connectivity, but delivering 500 MW of grid connection and reliable power will be a key challenge — especially given wider pressures on the UK electricity grid. (LinkedIn)
- Somerset’s location is also strategic for infrastructure like energy and transport links, though the exact transmission and power supply strategy for this campus hasn’t been finalised publicly. (LinkedIn)
Context: UK Data Centre Expansion
- This planned facility reflects the broader UK digital infrastructure boom, driven by demand for data, cloud services, and compute for AI workloads. The UK government has also identified data centres as critical national infrastructure and is working to support large-scale developments. (ADVFN)
- Recent projects elsewhere in the UK — including multi-GW projects and renewable-powered campuses — show a trend toward mega-scale facilities, despite planning and grid connection challenges. (costar.com)
Timeline & Next Steps
- At present, the Somerset project is at the pre-application stage.
- The next steps typically include:
- Environmental response and assessment
- Submission of detailed planning documents
- Public consultations and possible revisions
- Construction phase (if approved)
Because this is still early in the planning process, there’s no fixed construction or operational timeline yet, and construction would only start once full planning permission is granted and infrastructure arrangements (especially power) are secured. (LinkedIn)
Here’s a case-study style overview and selected comments on the proposed 500 MW data centre campus in Somerset, UK — plus broader context from similar digital infrastructure developments and industry conversations:
Project Overview – Somerset 500 MW Data Centre (Case Study)
Location: North of Bridgwater in Somerset, South West England — near the M5 motorway and adjacent to a solar farm. (Data Center Dynamics)
Developer: Express Distribution Park (via planning advisers Lichfields), who have secured an initial screening opinion for an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) from Somerset Council — a key early planning milestone. (Data Center Dynamics)
Scale and Scope
- Proposed campus could span around 250,000 sqm (~2.69 million sq ft) — roughly the size of 180+ football pitches. (LinkedIn)
- A target electrical demand of up to 500 MW, making it one of the largest proposed data centre hubs in the UK. (Data Center Dynamics)
- Designed as a multi-building, phased development to align build-out with demand. (LinkedIn)
Purpose
- Serve rising demand for cloud services, AI computing, R&D workloads and enterprise computing services.
- Could significantly expand Somerset’s role in the national digital infrastructure picture, which is currently concentrated in London, the Thames Valley and other hubs. (LinkedIn)
Planning Status
- Only the early “scoping” stage has been completed. Detailed planning applications (including full environmental assessment) are expected next.
- A full planning approval and power grid connections are needed before construction can begin.
Case Study Comparisons — Other UK Data Campus Projects
Didcot Data Campus (Oxfordshire)
- A major redevelopment at the former Didcot A Power Station site.
- Hybrid planning permission secured in 2025 with significant economic and job benefits offered as part of planning commitments. (deliveringdidcotdatacampus.co.uk)
Hertfordshire Cloud Campus
- Received planning approval with ~400 MVA power reservation — demonstrating how power access is a major constraint. (LinkedIn)
- Projected to create thousands of direct and indirect jobs, highlighting local economic value when infrastructure gets built. (LinkedIn)
Regional Pattern
- The UK is rapidly expanding data centre capacity beyond traditional hubs (London/Slough) into regional markets like the North West (Blackpool, 80 MW) and Cambridgeshire (330 MW proposals), reflecting rising AI and cloud demand. (LinkedIn)
Comments & Public Reaction — Somerset and Broader Sector
Industry & Expert Views
- Some professionals see the Somerset project as a major piece of infrastructure — akin to a medium-sized power station dedicated to compute — noting that grid capacity, connectivity and phased development are key risks. (LinkedIn)
- Observers argue that power delivery and grid reinforcement — not land or buildings — is now the central bottleneck in UK data centre expansion. (LinkedIn)
Positive Sentiments
- Several industry and local commentators on planning posts described the project as “very exciting” and supportive of long-term digital growth in Somerset. (LinkedIn)
Local Council & Environmental Concerns
- Some community stakeholders (e.g., parish councils in Bridgwater Without) have voiced reservations about flood risk, agricultural land loss, ecological impacts and landscape change as part of initial responses to planning documents. (The Somerset Leveller)
Wider UK Context
- National discussions highlight a rapid increase in announced data centre capacity, raising questions about the grid’s ability to supply tens of gigawatts of new constant load while meeting net-zero goals. (LinkedIn)
- In broader debates, UK regulators and climate activists have expressed concerns that rapid data centre expansion — including AI facilities — could strain energy systems, water resources and local services without robust planning oversight. (Reuters)
Lessons & Considerations from Similar Projects
1. Power Infrastructure Can Be the Critical Barrier
Many large data centre projects (e.g., in Hertfordshire) have shown that securing sufficiently large, reliable electrical connections often lags behind planning approvals. (LinkedIn)
2. Regional Development vs. Urban Hubs
Data centres are increasingly moving beyond major cities to secondary regions where land and power access might be easier — but this brings new policy and infrastructure challenges. (LinkedIn)
3. Community Engagement Matters
In other UK data centre discussions, lack of consultation has prompted local opposition and legal challenges, especially where environmental or landscape effects are perceived to be poorly addressed. (Reuters)
4. Sustainability and Grid Balance
Analysts warn that without pairing new facilities with low-carbon generation capacity, the industry might inadvertently push energy demand toward fossil fuel use or crowd out other low-carbon electrification priorities. (LinkedIn)
Summary – Why This Matters
The 500 MW Somerset project represents a case study in the next wave of UK digital infrastructure:
- Massive compute-focused campuses are moving into regional areas beyond historic hotspots.
- The power system and planning framework are now critical determinants of whether these projects can transition from proposals into operational facilities.
- Each development provides valuable insights into how the UK balances digital growth with environmental, community, and energy system impacts.