Demystifying Data Centres Planning | Call for Contributions
techUK is inviting contributions to support the Demystifying Data Centres: Planning Hub, a member-led educational webinar series designed to strengthen understanding of data centre development within the UK planning system.
As set out in the programme proposal, local authorities are experiencing a sharp increase in data centre planning applications, often without specialist expertise in digital infrastructure, energy systems or environmental regulation. The purpose of this initiative is to build planning capability and confidence through practical, evidence-based insight drawn from across the sector.
The series is explicitly educational and non-promotional. It is designed to support planners, not to advance individual applications. techUK will retain editorial oversight to ensure neutrality, balance and relevance to local government audiences.
The topics for episodes and case studies/expert insights:
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Demystifying Data Centres: What Are They and Why Do They Matter? (April)
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Planning for Success: How the UK Planning System Treats Data Centres (May/June)
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Powering Growth: Grid Connections, Energy Constraints and Planning Risk (June/July)
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Planning Sustainably: Water, Energy Efficiency and Environmental Regulation (July/August)
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Data Centres and Local Communities: Growth, Jobs and Trust (September)
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Planning Reform and the Future of Data Centre Development (October)
The cadence of episodes is indicative, and themes can be re-ordered based on need.
We are therefore launching two complementary calls:
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Call for Members to Lead Webinar Episodes
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Call for Case Studies and Expert Insight
Each episode of the series will be “owned” by an expert techUK member. This approach is intended to:
- Encourage broad sector participation with members bringing their own experts, supply chain and inviting stakeholders they collaborated with to showcase what “good looks like”
- Distribute delivery responsibility, by showcasing diversity in the sector
- Showcase genuine practitioner expertise
- Foster collective ownership of planning outcomes
We are inviting expressions of interest from members who wish to lead one of the proposed episodes.
What Leading an Episode Involves
The member lead will be responsible for:
- Providing speakers, typically including:
- An internal subject matter expert
- A partner, adviser or practitioner (e.g. planning, legal, engineering)
- Supplying at least one UK-focused case study where possible
- Working with techUK to shape content suitable for planners
- Ensuring a neutral, educational approach
- Supporting promotion through corporate channels
Each session will run for approximately 90 minutes and include presentation, panel discussion and moderated Q&A. Note, while all webinars will be recorded to then be hosted on the Hub, the Q&As will not be recorded.
techUK will retain editorial oversight and final sign-off to safeguard balance and credibility.
Why Lead an Episode?
Participating members will:
- Engage directly with planning decision-makers
- Demonstrate leadership in a contested policy environment
- Help shape a more informed planning landscape for future development
- Gain visibility through techUK’s policy and communications channels
We are seeking practical contributions to showcase good practice and members’ expertise to showcase on the Data Centres Planning Hub as it develops.
What We Are Looking For:
Contributions should align with the proposed episode themes outlined in the programme:
- Understanding data centres: Types, functions, operational characteristics, and site selection constraints
- Planning policy and regulation: National and local policy context, Use Class considerations, planning conditions, Section 106 and CIL
- Energy and grid constraints: Grid connection queues, deliverability risk, indicative versus secured power
- Environmental sustainability: Water use, abstraction licensing, cooling technologies, Biodiversity Net Gain and mitigation
- Community engagement and local impact: Economic contribution, addressing objections, long-term local authority relationships
- Planning reform and future policy direction: Implications of planning reform, strategic infrastructure designation and areas of uncertainty
We particularly welcome:
- UK-based case studies
- Lessons learned from planning applications and delivery
- Examples of early engagement with planning authorities
- Insight into managing power, water or environmental constraints
- Evidence-based analysis relevant to planners
- Specific initiatives which have led to good outcomes for the local community
Contributions should be factual, practical and focused on planning outcomes.
How to Express Interest
To submit a case study, expert insight, or expression of interest to lead an episode, please provide:
- A brief outline of your proposed contribution
- Relevant expertise and experience
- The episode theme you wish to contribute to or lead
Please contact the Luisa Cardani at [email protected]
