Adam Harley: The proposed Hyperscale Data Centre at Westerhill

THE PROPOSED HYPERSCALE DATA CENTRE AT WESTERHILL

Over the past few weeks, I have received a large number of emails from local residents about the proposed Hyperscale Data Centre and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at Westerhill. 

I’ve also attended the recent public meeting in Bishopbriggs, reviewed the information published by the proposer, considered the wider policy context, and listened carefully to the arguments both for and against the proposal.

Having done so, I have concluded that I do not believe Westerhill is the right location for this development.

I share the concerns many local residents have raised about the potential impact of this proposal on water consumption, electricity demand, continual operational noise, and the site's proximity to local homes. 

There also remain important questions about what tangible benefits a development of this scale would bring to the local community.

Another factor in reaching my decision is that, in 2023, the Scottish Futures Trust led work to identify the most suitable locations for future large-scale data centres in Scotland. Westerhill did not feature on either the published longlist or the shortlist produced through that work.  

While that assessment is not planning policy, it is one of the reasons I have concerns about the suitability of Westerhill for a development of this scale.

I recognise the important role that data centres will play in supporting Scotland's economy and digital infrastructure. However, developments of this scale must be properly scrutinised and located where they will not have an unacceptable impact on local communities or the environment.

I am particularly concerned that National Planning Framework 4 identifies "green data centres" as National Developments, yet the Scottish Government has still not published a clear national definition of what constitutes a "green data centre". 

I do not believe local councils should be left to determine planning applications for hyperscale data centres without that national guidance in place.

Given the large number of proposals now coming forward across Scotland, and the outstanding questions around their cumulative impact, I believe the Scottish Government should urgently provide that clarity. 

Until it does, I support a national moratorium on hyperscale data centre developments.

Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to contact me. I will continue to listen carefully, represent local residents, and work to ensure your voices are heard by decision makers and those in positions of power.

Adam Harley MSP

Strathkelvin and Bearsden