SNP MSP Steven Bonnar has raised constituents' concerns over large-scale data centre developments directly with the Scottish Government. Three such developments are located near his Uddingston and Bellshill constituency.
Residents contacted Mr Bonnar with questions about what these developments could mean for energy and water supplies, local infrastructure, planning and surrounding communities.
Acting on those concerns, the MSP sought clarity from the Scottish Government on how the wider impact of major data centre developments is being considered and what coordination is taking place with the UK Government.
Scottish Government response
In response, the Scottish Government confirmed it has been engaging directly with UK Government departments, including HM Treasury, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.
The Scottish, UK and Welsh Governments have jointly commissioned strategic energy planning work to consider how future demand from data centres can best be accommodated within the energy system and where developments could bring wider benefits.
The Scottish Government has also confirmed that it is actively considering specific planning guidance for data centre developments, balancing economic opportunities with community concerns and Scotland's energy and climate ambitions.
This comes alongside the Scottish Government's recent decision to bring the Energy Consents Unit within an expanded Planning Directorate, creating a stronger single centre of expertise for planning and consenting.
MSP comments
Mr Bonnar said: “Several constituents have been in touch with me about large-scale data centre developments and, with three in areas surrounding Uddingston and Bellshill, I completely understand why people want to know what developments of this size could mean for their communities.
“There are potentially significant economic opportunities from data centres, but as they become larger and require more energy and resources, it’s important that we have the right planning and infrastructure in place too.
“I took those concerns directly to the Scottish Government and I’m encouraged by the response. Ministers are clearly alive to these issues, are working with other governments on future energy demand, and are actively considering specific planning guidance for data centres.
“That joined-up approach is important. We need to make sure if and wherever planning is agreed - after consultation with local communities - that those communities can benefit from the investment and opportunities these developments may bring, while always listening to communities and properly considering their wider impact.
“I’ll continue that dialogue with the Scottish Government as this work develops and make sure the views of people across Uddingston and Bellshill are heard.”
