Clearer rules required for London’s data centre boom
The London Assembly Planning and Regeneration Committee has called on the Mayor to help boroughs manage the rapid growth of data centres across London, warning that councils need clearer guidance on how to deal with increasingly complex planning applications.
Questions at Borough levels remain over where data centres should be located and how to balance economic benefits with pressures on infrastructure and local communities.
The Committee has previously raised concerns about the impact of data centres on London's electricity network, warning that the success of the new policy will depend on effective implementation.
Chair of the London Assembly Planning and Regeneration Committee, James Small-Edwards AM, said:
"Data centres are increasingly important to London's economy, but they also place growing demands on London’s energy infrastructure.
"Many boroughs have limited experience of handling these complex applications. Clear guidance from City Hall will help ensure developments are located in the right places and don’t delay the delivery of much-needed housing in London."
The Committee's recommendations form part of its statutory scrutiny and consultation response to the Mayor's draft London Plan, which will guide how London grows and develops over the next 25 years.
The submission draws on evidence gathered through two public engagement events held by the Committee over the summer, involving young people and adults living in London and stakeholders from across the housing, transport, business and environment sectors.
Notes for editors
- James Small-Edwards AM, Chair of the Planning and Regeneration Committee, is available for interview.
- Find out more about the work of the Planning and Regeneration Committee
- Read the letter in full.
- Read the report from the stakeholder event here and from the Londoners event here.
- As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor.
For more information, please contact Daniel Zikmund in the Assembly Media Office on 07860647577 or [email protected]. For out of hours media enquiries please call 020 7983 4000 and ask for the Assembly duty press officer.