UK planning framework backs data centers and grid infrastructure

The UK Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has published Chapter 7 of the National Planning Policy Framework, setting out planning policies to support economic growth, including data centers and grid infrastructure.

• The chapter says development plans should make provision for data centers, associated generating capacity, and electricity network infrastructure to provide grid connections where needed, and gives substantial weight to commercial development that helps businesses invest, expand or adapt.
• It also notes that infrastructure constraints such as electricity, water and wastewater capacity can make locations important for co-locating large-scale generators and users of power, and that rural business development should use previously developed land where possible.