Data centre developers pledge 'transparency' over plans

Developers behind plans for a £2bn data centre in the hills of southern Scotland have submitted their plans to assess the environmental impact of the scheme.

The Sunlaws Development Company (SDC), which is part of Roxburghe Estates, said it had taken on board community concerns.

A campaign group, Save the Lammermuirs – Stop the Data Centre (SLSDC), has been set up to stop the plans - which it has described as a "monster" and the "wrong development in the wrong place".

Jaap Röell, chief executive of Roxburghe Estates, said it had made a "deliberate choice" to engage with the community early to "understand local concerns" and reflect them in how it assessed the project.

The scoping report submitted to Scottish Borders Council (SBC) comes after two public information days about the plans to the west of Duns, between the villages of Longformacus and Westruther.

It highlighted issues raised during consultation including the visual impact, noise, traffic and economic benefits.

"The scoping report sets out a clearly defined, proportionate and transparent approach to the environmental assessment, and we are now asking SBC to help us confirm the methodology is right," said Röell.

"The key issues raised through the consultation will be addressed thoroughly in the full environmental impact assessment."

SDC said it would support 145 high-quality local jobs and has launched a new website about the project.

"The new website makes it easier for people to access accurate, up-to-date information and to stay involved as the project develops," added Röell.

"Transparency matters to us, which is why we are going over and above the statutory requirements for consultation.

"We would much rather people hear the facts directly from us, and have a clear route to ask questions, than rely on often misleading second-hand accounts."

A full environmental impact assessment and planning application are not expected to be submitted until "late 2026 at the earliest".

However, an opposition campaign has already gathered thousands of signatures against the plans.

It said that the area involved was not appropriate for an "industrial-scale data centre".

It added that it would consume vast amounts of electricity and drain the "life and beauty from the landscape".

It has called on SBC to oppose the plans if a full planning application is lodged.