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Data Centres: Planning

Asked by Nick TimothyConservativeDepartment for Energy Security and Net ZeroTabled Answered 5 February 2025UIN 26895

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will take steps to provide additional support to the (a) Planning Inspectorate, (b) statutory consultees, (c) local planning authorities, and (d) government consenting teams on taking forward grid infrastructure for new data centres.

Answered by Michael Shanks

Reforming the planning system is key to unlocking our country’s economic growth, to deliver the critical infrastructure that we need. The Government has announced a £46 million package of investment into the planning system to support capacity and capability. The Government will deliver workforce reform, enhanced training, and reformed career development packages. Resourcing in key organisations, including the Planning Inspectorate and Government consenting teams are currently being reviewed to determine the required support.

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