UK cities approve 89% of data centre applications

Research conducted by data centre company Onnec has revealed a significant approval rate for data centre planning applications in the UK's largest cities, with 89% of applications receiving approval over the past five years.

This research, encompassing 88 applications, shows that only three applications were declined while five were withdrawn. Meanwhile, plans for the East Havering Data Centre Campus remain undecided. According to Onnec, this signifies strong backing from local authorities for bolstering data centre infrastructure, which is deemed crucial for AI advancement and economic growth, especially following the UK government's acknowledgment of data centres as critical national infrastructure, accompanied by GBP £6.3 billion in global investments.

Matt Salter, Data Centre Director at Onnec, commented, "While not every project will be at the scale of East Havering, the data shows a willingness from local authorities to invest and support data centres, with many already aligned with the government's strategy to ride the wave of AI to supercharge economic growth and productivity."

The three projects that were rejected were all in Sheffield, largely due to issues concerning design. Objections cited included "poor quality design," "visually unattractive" attributes, "inappropriate developments which would cause harm to the openness of the Green Belt," and being "out of keeping with the character and quality of the wider landscape."

In line with these developments, the UK government has plans to review other rejected sites, notably those in Iver, Buckinghamshire and Abbots Langley, Hertfordshire, as part of its initiative to stimulate economic growth. This includes fostering environments for AI technologies through robust data centre infrastructures.

Salter further stated, "Data centres are critical for driving AI growth, and with the race for AI supremacy in full swing, the UK has recognised that to get ahead the right infrastructure must be in place." He added that the setbacks in Sheffield highlight the necessity of considering a holistic approach in design to ensure that data centres fulfil local community needs and align with regional characteristics.

Salter emphasised, "Failing to take a holistic approach will result in sites that aren't fit for purpose, don't deliver on the UK's needs, and degrade over time." He warned that poor planning could render a data centre outmoded soon after commencement and necessitate costly upgrades.

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has played a pivotal role in this sector, according to an official statement. The department emphasised its commitment, stating, "Since its formation, the Department has been engaging positively and proactively with the sector and investors, coordinating across the government to ensure a consistent pro-growth approach and that data centre needs are considered in wider governmental policy."

Salter concluded by asserting that "Government support will only drive further investment and support for UK data centres. However, this investment must move beyond London — already the biggest data centre market in Europe — to ensure the whole country benefits, and to help overcome power and sustainability challenges facing the London market." He argued a national focus could enhance local economies and equip every UK region for digital infrastructure requirements necessary for AI and economic advancement.