Torridge residents protest proposed Xlinks data centre

A nine-year-old girl, Demelza May, addressed the Torridge District Council to urge the rejection of a massive proposed data centre and battery energy storage site. The project, proposed by Xlinks, would span approximately 850 acres of farmland near Torrington.

During the council meeting, May expressed concerns that the development would permanently alter the local landscape and community. She advocated for the protection of the countryside, stating, “I want my future to look green and beautiful,” and urged councillors to prioritize local residents and small businesses over large-scale technology infrastructure.

The proposal has sparked significant local opposition regarding land use, energy demand, and the potential impact on the rural character of the area. Xlinks is also known for plans to transport solar and wind energy from Morocco to the UK via subsea cables.