SuNo! Susan Boyle joins protest against plans for a massive AI data centre near her new home

Published: 21:11, 30 June 2026 | Updated: 21:11, 30 June 2026 Susan Boyle joined around a rain-soaked protest to campaign against plans for a huge AI data centre near her new home. The singing sensation, who recently moved to Larbert, in Stirlingshire, and was angered to learn about the proposed development at Glenbervie Business Park. Around 200 protesters joined forces to oppose the plans by Aptura for the 300MW base fearing the impact it will have in the area from noise and air pollution to increased traffic. They are also worried about its proximity to homes, care facilities and the Forth Valley Royal Hospital. Subo’s manager Geraldine Easton, who also lives locally, said the issue was about protecting people living nearby. She said: ‘People need to actually realise that these things go so much further than just what they are. It is the impact on everybody all around. ‘The bottom line is these are huge hyper data centres and they are going to take up all these beautiful places in Scotland. ‘They are putting them in populated areas. Our children come first. We are right across from a hospital and this is going to draw up energy and water. Susan Boyle joined the protests, with the singer living nearby Around 200 protesters joined forces to oppose the plans for the data centre ‘We are going to get noise pollution. There are so many factors. I can’t even believe that this is a discussion at this point. ‘This isn’t just a single village issue. It’s a universal issue.’ Steve Hinge, from Forth Valley Climate Action Hub, said there were too many unanswered questions about the proposals and added: ‘There are so many unknowns. There are so many concerns and questions that as yet have not been answered. ‘What I’m hearing so far is real concern from local residents. ‘The residents here really feel it is a carbon emitter. It is using diesel generators and huge resources like water. ‘There should be a pause in Scotland on these to see exactly what the impacts can have, rather than just hoping for the best. ‘There should also be a joined-up approach so we can all make an informed decision together.’ The campaigners have now urged Falkirk Council and the Scottish Government to pause the plans and look again at guidance for developments of this scale. Aptura’s planning application to the local authority is for the construction of an AI data centre with 200MW demand utility capacity, car parking, landscaping, roads, access and associated works. The IT company, head-quartered in London, said the site was chosen because of its ‘strong grid connection, transport links and proximity to research and education centres’ adding it would deliver major economic benefits from investment to jobs. It emerged earlier this year Ms Boyle, 65, had moved to Larbert from her childhood home in Blackburn, West Lothian, to live closer to her manager. She has been away from the limelight following a stroke in 2022 but is back in the studio recording new music. The star, who rose to global fame on Britain’s Got Talent, was due to travel to Boston for a World Cup fundraiser but cancelled her plans after Ms Easton fell unwell. No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards. By posting your comment you agree to our house rules. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual We will automatically post your comment and a link to the news story to your Facebook timeline at the same time it is posted on MailOnline. To do this we will link your MailOnline account with your Facebook account. We’ll ask you to confirm this for your first post to Facebook. You can choose on each post whether you would like it to be posted to Facebook. Your details from Facebook will be used to provide you with tailored content, marketing and ads in line with our Privacy Policy.