# George Osborne calls local residents AI datacentre nimbys

Digest AI · Society & Work · published 2026-09-29T16:48:49Z

Canonical: https://digestai.news/story/george-osborne-calls-local-residents-ai-datacentre-nimbys

## Summary

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.

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.

## 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.

## Why it matters

The debate highlights tensions between large AI infrastructure projects and rural communities, raising concerns about environmental impact, land use, and local quality of life.

## Sources

1. [Even George Osborne might be a nimby if an AI datacente was built next to his home](https://theguardian.com/uk-news/2026/sep/29/even-george-osborne-might-be-a-nimby-if-an-ai-datacente-was-built-next-to-his-home) (The Guardian AI, 2026-09-29)

Part of the developing story: [Global Race for AI Data Center Land](https://digestai.news/thread/openai-eyes-canadian-data-centres-for-energy-and-land-access) (3 stories)

## Cite

Digest AI, "George Osborne calls local residents AI datacentre nimbys", 29 September 2026, https://digestai.news/story/george-osborne-calls-local-residents-ai-datacentre-nimbys

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