Dozens of objections have been sent to Wiltshire Council over a proposed extension to a data centre in an area already suffering from a constant “droning” noise at night.
The plans would extend the existing ultra-secure facility near Corsham further into the small village of Neston with construction on the field south of Westwells Road.
According to the application, the data centres within Ark’s Spring Park Campus are used “to house critical computer systems and associated communications infrastructure crucial for the knowledge economy”.
A previous extension was recently approved on adjacent land, which generated opposition from a handful of Neston residents.
READ MORE: New data centre approved at ultra-secure Corsham facility
The new data centre is proposed on the field to the south east of the campus. (Image: Google)
This latest application has caused far more controversy, with more than 30 comments of objection left on the application.
A large proportion of the concerns related to traffic and flooding risks.
However, many residents are also worried about the increase in noise and light pollution, describing the planned building as a “monstrosity”.
Cassie Reynolds wrote: “I can hear the data centres that hum through the night and it disrupts my sleep and my concern is they are not that close, this one will be right on our doorstep.”
Trudy Davies also reported being “already affected by the low hum and droning sound at night coming from the generators.”
She added: “Our beautiful village character will be permanently destroyed if this planning application is allowed.”
Morgyn Davies noted: “It remains a fact that this site has previously been flooded to a depth of several metres with catastrophic overflow consequences.”
Paul Sutton said: “Neston and the surrounding area has seen considerable commercial/office/military development in recent years and there is a real danger that the character of the village will be lost completely if further development of this type is permitted.”
Phillip Eggleton's agreed: “The local area has been ruined by developments and all the green space has gradually been eroded.”
Nevertheless, Corsham Town Council has resolved to support the extension.
The application submitted by Ark stated: “The proposed development will be implemented in line with Ark’s sustainability requirements.
“The scheme will be integrated within the surrounding context through the provisioning of contextually appropriate design and land use.
“The proposed development will also minimise the impact on the local road networks and the wider environment.”
The noise impact assessment concluded that the plant operation is expected to produce noise “below typical background levels in the area”.
Ark has been contacted for further comment.
The public consultation is open until Friday, August 30, and Wiltshire Council is expected to make a decision by Tuesday, September 24.
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