Scottish parliament pauses new AI datacentre planning decisions
MSPs have backed a pause of up to 12 months while national planning guidance and an AI datacentre strategy are developed.
Scotland’s parliament has voted to pause planning decisions on new AI datacentres for up to 12 months, pending national planning guidance and a strategy for the sector.
The vote requires proposed projects to undergo robust environmental impact assessments. These assessments will consider potential effects on neighbouring communities, water use, carbon emissions and energy demand.
The decision follows an announcement by the Scottish government that large-scale datacentres would face mandatory environmental assessments. The precise legal scope of the parliamentary vote and the timetable for finalising the national guidance remain unclear.
More than 20 large datacentres have reportedly been proposed in Scotland as global investment in AI infrastructure has increased. Campaigners and community groups have raised concerns about water use, emissions, infrastructure capacity and whether existing planning rules are adequate.
Scottish Labour economy spokesperson Daniel Johnson said the economic potential of AI infrastructure should be weighed against its effects on the environment, communities and energy demand. The Scottish government was contacted for comment.
