Oxford News
Outrage over ‘shameful’ AI data centre plans near Burford
A planning application for a new AI data centre in Shilford, on land and in barns which was previously used by an agricultural business, has been lodged with West Oxfordshire District Council.
The proposed data centre would be operated by Brakenwood Family Pension Trust and is being put forward by AIVS, an AI infrastructure firm focused on building centres in the UK.
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But it has received a huge number of objections from locals, with more than 180 people leaving comments on the planning application expressing their concerns.
Lily Crozier, of Carterton, said: “Building a data centre in Shilton not only damages the local wildlife and ecology, but adds to the destruction of human and animal habitats worldwide.
“The environmental damage data centres such as this pose far outweigh any minute positives, and this is not the stance West Oxfordshire should be taking. Shameful.”
Authorities like Shilton Parish Council and Thames Valley Police also voiced their opposition, and council departments like water, drainage and contamination said stringent conditions should be attached to any permission granted by the council.
The police’s ‘designing out crime officer’, Kevin Cox, issued a ‘holding objection’ to the plans on the grounds that there is insufficient information on the security measures protecting the data centre, as it would ‘store and process data linked to government communication networks’ and would likely be designated ‘critical national infrastructure’.
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The applicant responded to many of the commentors, emphasising that because the technology is ‘changing rapidly’, only an outline application has been submitted – leaving most of the application’s technical matters for a more ‘detailed design’ stage of the planning.
The facility itself is not expected to become operational until after 2032 and would take at least 12 months to build, with the applicant adding: “It would be inappropriate to commit the scheme to today’s server, cooling and energy technology when these systems are developing rapidly.”
They did say, however, that designs do not currently envision large volumes of water being required for cooling or abstraction, and instead ‘air-cooled, closed-loop or factory-contained systems are being explored’.
Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) has advised that an additional 30 MW of dedicated electricity supply – routed separately to the normal grid that supplies homes and businesses – would be required, at an additional infrastructure cost of approximately £30million.
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Because the application is for ‘strategic digital infrastructure’ and the electrical supply required, the applicant requested the plans are considered for call-in by the Secretary of State.
The government’s powers to call-in an application are generally only used if planning issues ‘of more than local importance’ are involved.
If it is called in, a planning inspector will hear the plans at a public inquiry, and a decision on whether to grant or refuse permission will be published by the government.
There were long queues on the opening day earlier this month and staff have been working hard ever since.
The town has not had a traditional butcher’s shop for many years and customers have given it a warm welcome.
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Mr Brown said: “It’s been really busy – we keep having to make more sausages each day to keep up with the growing demand.
“I think people in the town have been missing having a traditional butcher’s shop – they have been crying out for it.”
Some customers have switched from buying their meat in the local supermarkets to buying it at Brown’s instead – one customer on Saturday bought steaks and other meat costing about £76.
Following the opening weekend, Mr Brown posted on Facebook: “o every single customer who visited us over the opening weekend, thank you for your patience while we found our feet. We were completely blown away by the queues and support.
“We know there were longer waits than anyone would have liked, but your kindness, understanding, and lovely comments meant the world to us.
This is more than just a butcher’s shop to us – it’s the start of a dream that we hope will be part of the Abingdon community for many years to come. We promise to keep learning, improving, and giving you the quality, service, and products you deserve.”
The 66-year-old journalist and farmer revealed he came down with a “terrible cold” last week.
Film crews came down to his Chipping Norton farm to shoot for series six of Clarkson’s Farm, who urged him to put the illness to one side and carry on with work.
He wrote in his Sun column on Saturday: “This week, I woke up with a cold and shuffled into the office feeling very sorry for myself. ‘I have a terrible cold’, I said to Kit, the director of the farm show.
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“Now, current thinking would suggest that he should have immediately summoned the medic, offered me counselling and then sent me home to sit in a rocking chair until I felt better.
“But what he actually said was: ‘We have a big film crew here today and a lot to do so get a grip, because we need to get cracking.’
“Which is what we did. And as a result, work was completed, food was produced, television was made and the wheels of the economy were greased.”
The TV star has been open about his health struggles in recent years.
He contracted a severe case of pneumonia in August 2017 while holidaying in Mallorca, Spain, which nearly claimed his life.
The former Top Gear host was potentially “days away” from a fatal heart attack after doctors discovered severely blocked arteries in October 2024.
Following symptoms like chest tightness, clamminess and pins and needles in his arms, he underwent emergency heart surgery to have stents fitted at the John Radcliffe Hospital.
And then in the most recent series of Clarkson’s Farm, he revealed he had been diagnosed with cancer but has since gone into remission.
West Oxfordshire District Council has committed £359,950 over the next three and a half years to extend the Our House Project, ensuring ongoing support for vulnerable young people in the district.
The project offers safe accommodation and tailored support to help young people develop the skills and confidence needed to live independently.
Geoff Saul, executive member for housing and community safety, said: “The Our House Project has made a real difference to the lives of some of our most vulnerable young residents by giving them more than just a roof over their heads.
“It provides the stability, support and opportunities they need to build independent, successful futures.
“Extending this funding means we can continue offering that lifeline to young people across West Oxfordshire, helping them avoid homelessness while supporting them into education, employment and permanent housing for years to come.”
Run in partnership with Cottsway Housing Association and Aspire Oxfordshire, the scheme provides housing for up to 11 young people across three shared homes.
It supports those who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, or unable to stay with family or friends.
Since its relaunch in 2021, more than 30 young residents have received help to access education, training and employment, alongside support for mental health, wellbeing and independent living.
The funding will also go towards essential home improvements, including replacing furniture, carpets and essential appliances.
The scheme offers a more affordable alternative to traditional supported accommodation, with residents paying around £300 per month in rent.
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