George Osborne calls local residents AI datacentre nimbys
George Osborne, former UK finance minister, has criticised a plan to build one of Europe’s largest AI data centres on 850 acres of farmland in Devon. The project would also include a battery energy storage system and would be larger than the town itself, accessed by narrow lanes. Osborne says residents who oppose the development are “nimbys” holding back Britain.
Key points
- George Osborne labels local residents as AI datacentre nimbys.
- Proposed data centre covers 850 acres in Devon, one of Europe’s largest.
- Local residents oppose due to noise, lights, energy use, and impact on rural landscape.
Local residents and holidaymakers argue the site would damage the rural landscape, increase noise and light pollution, and strain energy and water supplies. They have organised a “north Devon revolt” and claim they will fight the imposition of the facility.
The debate highlights tensions between large AI infrastructure projects and rural communities, raising concerns about environmental impact, land use, and local quality of life.
The story so far
3 episodes →- George Osborne calls local residents AI datacentre nimbysthis story
Even George Osborne might be a nimby if an AI datacente was built next to his home
The Guardian AI · 29 September 2026
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