Scotland’s environmental watchdog has added its voice to the objections over the proposed massive AI data centre in Auchtetool.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has made a “holding objection” to the controversial plans on the grounds of a lack of information on flood risks.

ILI Cato Limited is seeking planning permission in principle for a vast data centre campus on land to the north-west of the village. The proposals include a complex of data halls, which could be as high as 35 metres, as well as electricity substations, security fencing, gatehouses and other infrastructure.

The company said the project would provide essential infrastructure across the Scottish Central Belt where IT services can be delivered in close proximity to the majority of end users, and where sufficient land electrical connection and renewable energy supply are available.

An image of what the data centre could look like. (Pic: Fife Council planning papers)

placeholder image — An image of what the data centre could look like. (Pic: Fife Council planning papers)

However the plans have brought widespread concern.

Hundreds of locals packed Auchtertool Village Hall in June for a meeting to discuss the application and more than 1000 objections have been lodged with Fife Council.

SEPA has now called for the proposals to be delayed until more information on flooding is provided.

Its submission states: “Due to a lack of information in relation to flood risk, we submit a holding objection and request that determination is deferred until the information outlined below has been provided for our assessment.

Residents packed the Village Hall for a public meeting on the data centre (Pic: Cath Ruane)

“Our advice is based on our best understanding of long-term flood risk at the present time and is in line with current policy and guidance.”

SEPA said the existing flood risk area functions as storage during flood events and the proposals are effectively relocating that storage to another area of the site.

However, it said the applicant has not demonstrated “clearly enough” that there will be the same amount of flood storage available after development or that the flood flows and storage routing through the site will not result in greater volumes or rates of water being passed downstream.

It also wants more details on if the proposed mitigation would remain effective under a range of blockage scenarios

“As such, we require further information in order to be satisfied that the proposed mitigation measures would not result in an increased flood risk elsewhere,” the holding objection adds.

An assessment submitted on behalf of ILI has argued that the 600 megawatt data centre campus should be classed as “essential infrastructure” which would mean “development can take place in the flood risk area”.

It also added: “It should be noted that the risk of flooding can be reduced, but not totally eliminated.”

Fife Council has also raised its own concerns in a response from Moir Gibson, from structural services, flooding, shoreline and harbours team.

This stated: “We are not convinced of the claim in the flood risk assessment that this site meets the requirement of ‘essential infrastructure’ as an exception under NPF4, Policy 22.

“Although the site location provides the infrastructure links the proposed data centre would require, it is not essential that it is located at this locus which is within an area of flood risk and requires land raising to accommodate the development.

“This does not follow the NPF4 Policy 22 intent of ‘avoidance as a first principle’.”

Members of the public have until July 24 to make their comments on the application