Demystifying Data Centre Planning Webinar Series

Demystifying Data Centre Planning Webinar Series | Call for Contributions

techUK is inviting contributions to support our Demystifying Data Centre Planning Hub which will include a member-led educational webinar series designed to strengthen understanding of data centre development within the UK planning system.

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.

Members are invited to lead a webinar and/or provide expertise on a range of planning topics.

The topics for episodes and case studies/expert insights include:

Demystifying Data Centres: What Are They and Why Do They Matter? (May)

To include: Types, functions, operational characteristics, and site selection constraints

Planning for Success: How the UK Planning System Treats Data Centres (June/July)

To include: National and local policy context, Use Class considerations, planning conditions, Section 106 and CIL

Powering Growth: Grid Connections, Energy Constraints and Planning Risk (July/August)

To include: Grid connection queues, deliverability risk, indicative versus secured power

Planning Sustainably: Water, Energy Efficiency and Environmental Regulation (August/September)

To include: Water use, abstraction licensing, cooling technologies, Biodiversity Net Gain and mitigation

Data Centres and Local Communities: Growth, Jobs and Trust (October)

To include: Economic contribution, addressing objections, long-term local authority relationships

Planning Reform and the Future of Data Centre Development (November)

To include: Implications of planning reform, strategic infrastructure designation and areas of uncertainty

The cadence of episodes is indicative, and themes can be re-ordered.

The Demystifying Data Centre Planning Webinar 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.

We are therefore launching two complementary calls for contributions:

Call for members to lead webinar episodes

Call for case studies and/or expert insight

Call for Members to Lead Webinar Episodes
Call for Case Studies and/or Expert Insight

Call for Members to Lead Webinar Episodes

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'
Showcase genuine practitioner expertise
Showcase diversity in the sector
Foster collective ownership of planning outcomes

We are inviting expressions of interest from members who wish to lead one of the proposed episodes above.

What Leading an Episode Involves

The member will be responsible for:

Providing speakers, typically including:
- An internal subject matter expert
- A partner, adviser or practitioner (e.g. planning, legal, engineering)
- A customer, stakeholder, third-party if relevant
Supplying at least one UK-focused case study where possible
Working with techUK to shape content suitable for planners
Ensuring a neutral, educational approach - webinars must be non-promotional
Supporting promotion through corporate channels

Each session will run for approximately 60-90 minutes and include presentation, panel discussion and moderated Q&A: Note, while all webinars will be recorded and hosted on the Demystifying Data Centre Planning Hub, the Q&A will not be hosted on the Hub.

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

Call for Case Studies and/or Expert Insight

We are seeking practical contributions to showcase good practice and members’ expertise to showcase on the Demystifying Data Centre 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 express interest in leading 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 Luisa Cardani at [email protected]

Data Centres Programme activities

techUK provides a collective voice for UK Data Centre operators working with government to improve the business environment for our members. We keep members up to date with the key technical and regulatory developments that may impact growth and on funding opportunities that may increase commercial competitiveness. Visit the programme page here.