In this episode, we explore how the planning system approaches data centres, what their designation as Critical National Infrastructure means, and the emerging proposals for AI Growth Zones.

Other key topics we discuss include:

- The Labour Party’s manifesto pledge to remove planning barriers for data centres.

- The Government’s recent classification of data centres as Critical National Infrastructure.

- The revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and its impact on data centres.

- The AI Opportunities Action Plan and what it means for future development.

- The challenges of energy consumption, the role of nuclear power, and how data centres benefit local communities.

You can listen to it here!