Check the latest public notices in your area – planning, roads and licensing
Early plans to create a £3billion AI data centre on the outskirts of a village have been revealed.
Infrastructure developer Clearstone has announced it wants to build the campus on 145 acres of agricultural land on either side of New Barn Road, between Southfleet and Northfleet.
Polytunnels currently sit on the site. Picture: Google Earth
According to the proposal’s website, data centres are buildings that combine powerful computers, high-speed network connectivity and digital storage.
They enable organisations, including the likes of the NHS and government, to run digital services like online banking, video streaming, messaging and AI-driven applications.
An AI data centre is specifically designed for the training and running of artificial intelligence models.
Clearstone has said that its development would therefore help support digital services in the country, while creating more than 700 jobs during construction and more than 400 permanent roles once operational.
It added that the proposed 145-acre site, near the A2, was chosen due to its “ability to provide the land, power, high-speed connectivity, and talent pool needed to deliver the next generation of AI-based applications”.
The company explained that power would be delivered through a secured connection at the Northfleet East substation, which sits 500 metres north of the land.
The site covers 145 acres
Although the site boundary covers 145 acres, spanning from either side of New Barn Road to Warren Road, Dale Road and HS1 train tracks, the proposed facility would be built on only 90 acres.
The development, dubbed Ebbsfleet AI Data Centre Campus, is looking at a modular approach with infrastructure split across up to four new buildings.
Early land and ecological surveys are already underway to determine the proposed layout and cable routes to the substation.
Meanwhile, 55 acres have been allocated for landscaping, biodiversity enhancement and the creation of new publicly accessible green space and community facilities.
The proposed development, near the Pepper Hill Recycling Centre and Millbrook Garden Centre, is expected to cost more than £3billion making it one of the largest single data centre investments in the UK.
Project director Simon Rothwell said: “This is an exciting opportunity to create high-skilled local jobs and drive business growth in the Dartford area while supporting the UK’s goal of harnessing the economic benefits of being an AI leader.
Clearstone has revealed plans for an AI data centre off New Barn Road
“Our aim is to develop a cutting-edge facility that boosts the local and national economy and responds sensitively to its surroundings through careful design and landscaping.”
The first round of public consultations will be held in autumn through a series of co-design workshops, with a full consultation on the draft plans taking place in 2027.
Clearstone is looking to submit a planning application in 2028 with an operational start date of 2030, if approved.
The government identified a need to expand data centres in the country and designated them as critical national infrastructure in 2024.
New regulations in January meant they were to be treated as nationally significant, meaning it requires a development consent order (DCO).
The Secretary of State has agreed that the Ebbsfleet AI Data Centre Campus is nationally significant, meaning the plans will be decided upon by the government.
Housing, Communities and Local Government Secretary Steve Reed says a DCO is needed. Picture: James Manning/PA Wire
Last year, Clearstone withdrew plans to build one of the country’s largest battery energy storage systems (BESS) on land on either side of Station Road, which is just north of the data centre site.
It came just days before the application was due to be decided upon by Dartford council after planning officers said it should be refused.
At the time, bosses said they would look to resubmit plans; however, Mr Rothwell has since confirmed this is no longer something they are considering as there is now “less need” for BESS.
Elsewhere in Kent, plans for an AI data centre at the Shelford Farm Estate in Broad Oak have been submitted to Canterbury City Council.
The website Data Center Map also says there are five other campuses, one in Ash near Sandwich, two near Sittingbourne and Bredgar, and two in Maidstone.