The Scottish Parliament has voted to suspend planning decisions for new artificial intelligence (AI) datacentres for up to 12 months while the government develops a national strategy and planning guidelines. The motion, brought forward by Scottish Labour, seeks to halt all new hyperscale datacentre applications until clearer environmental and community impact assessments are in place.
The move comes amid a surge in proposals for large datacentres across Scotland as global investment in AI infrastructure accelerates. These facilities, essential for storing and processing vast quantities of data, have drawn attention for their substantial energy and water demands. Among the proposed projects is a facility in Auchtertool, Fife, which has been described as potentially the second largest datacentre worldwide. Over 20 similar large-scale projects have been proposed to date.
Community groups and environmental campaigners have raised concerns about the ecological footprint of these developments, citing issues such as carbon emissions, water consumption, and strain on local energy grids. On Wednesday, Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) voted to approve only those projects that meet stringent environmental impact assessments taking into account effects on neighboring communities. However, no final planning decisions will be made for up to a year while national planning guidance is formalized.
Kat Jones, director of Action to Protect Rural Scotland, welcomed the vote, calling it a “landmark day” for communities worried about the influx of datacentres. She urged the government to urgently review any applications nearing decision deadlines and emphasized the need for communities to have their concerns addressed.
The Scottish government had already indicated plans to impose mandatory environmental impact assessments on large datacentres in response to growing ecological apprehensions. Earlier this month, hundreds of protesters from local groups demonstrated outside Holyrood, demanding clear regulations around datacentre construction and the establishment of criteria defining “green” datacentres.
The debate coincides with an upcoming AI summit at Dumfries House in Ayrshire, where industry leaders will meet with King Charles to discuss the future of AI technology amid global concerns regarding the rapid pace of its development.
Following the parliamentary vote, Scottish Labour’s economy spokesperson Daniel Johnson emphasized the importance of balancing AI’s economic benefits with environmental sustainability and community wellbeing. He criticized the Scottish National Party (SNP) government for not yet establishing the necessary frameworks and called for urgent delivery of the national guidance. Johnson stressed that any datacentres approved should benefit local communities, offer quality employment, and contribute positively to Scotland’s development.
Requests for comment from the Scottish government were not immediately returned.