TECHNICAL
The Government’s decision to designate data centres as Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) and proposed direction to include data centres within the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIP) consenting regime as part of the recent National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) consultation are steps in the right direction. It is vital that local places realise the benefits of hosting data centre infrastructure, and the industry wants to work with local people and authorities to understand how these benefits and social value can best be delivered.
Policy recommendations
n The Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) should implement the proposed reforms to the NPPF, directing data centres into the NSIP consenting regime process. However, data centres developments should not be forced down this process. This direction will expand options for developers, but the option to apply directly to local authorities should be retained. In addition, the NPPF should:
n Prioritise the construction of data centres and digital infrastructure
on well-connected previously developed and Grey Belt land where possible.
n MHCLG – working with local government – should ensure
appropriate resource is available to train both LPAs and the Planning Inspectorate, particularly in areas with a significant number of applications, leading to these teams having a greater understanding of the specific planning requirements attached to data centre infrastructure. This will help provide consistent decision making on data centre applications. techUK’s data centre experts can support on the training and education required. n The Environment Agency should be set clear deadlines when providing environmental permits for data centres with standby generating capacity of over 50MW. Delays in receiving these permits results in delays to planning approval. n Local government representative bodies should establish a new forum with the data centre industry to forge closer joint working required to seize the data centre opportunity. This could
Volume 48 No.23 SEPTEMBER 2026
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