Clare Buchanan

Between 14,000 and 16,000 representations have been submitted against ILI Cato Limited’s proposed data-centre campus near Auchtertool in Fife. The development could include data halls up to 35 metres high, substations, security infrastructure and other facilities. The company says the campus would provide strategically located digital infrastructure supported by available land, electricity connections and renewable energy. Residents have expressed widespread concern, while SEPA has lodged a holding objection pending further information on flood risks. Fife Council says it is processing the large volume of submissions and expects all representations to be published before the planning application reaches a decision.

Recorded crime in Clackmannanshire increased by 2% in 2025/26, rising from 2,645 to 2,706 offences. Sexual crime rose by 32.8%, including a doubling of reported rapes and attempted rapes, while sexual assaults and offences involving forced viewing of sexual activity or images also increased. Non-sexual violent crime, domestic abuse offences, hate crimes and driving offences rose, whereas crimes of dishonesty, shoplifting and housebreakings declined. Police Scotland said tackling sexual and violent crime is a local priority and highlighted work with partner agencies and survivor groups.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency issued a holding objection to plans for a large data centre in Auchtertool, citing insufficient information on flood risks and potential downstream impacts. The agency requested delay of the application until the developer provides evidence that flood storage capacity and mitigation measures would remain effective. Fife Council also questioned whether the project qualifies as essential infrastructure under national planning policy, arguing that its location within a flood‑risk area is not justified. Public objections exceed a thousand, and comments remain open until July 24.