Xlinks proposes a 1.5-gigawatt AI data campus across 344 hectares of North Devon, alongside a large battery-storage site. A Guardian investigation published on September 27 reported that the company had held closed discussions with Torridge District Council since March 2025. In April, the council sent a letter of “in-principle support” before residents were told about the project and before any environmental statement or public consultation. Torridge told the Guardian that its pre-application process is standard guidance, not approval. Xlinks now says it expects to submit separate planning applications for the data center and battery facility in 2027, while public information days remain postponed.

Residents obtained this history through freedom-of-information requests, which also surfaced emails about stakeholder engagement and a site plan not yet released publicly. Torridge describes the exchanges as routine pre-application guidance. Xlinks advertises 650 to 1,200 permanent jobs, while local campaigners question the project’s land, water, and environmental costs. Its current website says consultation has been extended and the layout is still being refined. Residents are being asked to comment while formal applications and details remain in development. When the applications reach Torridge’s planning portal, the formal process will follow 18 months of contact between the developer and officials.