Open petition: Introduce urgent moratorium on AI Data Centres and BESS outside AI Growth Zones
Created by Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin
Closes on
Introduce: (1) an immediate moratorium on planning approvals for BESS (Battery Energy Storage Systems) and Data Centres outside designated AI Growth Zones; (2) mandatory Rural Impact Assessments conducted at local level; and (3) mandatory comprehensive investigation into financing of all proposals.
We believe robust evaluation is needed as to: (i) the cost-benefit analysis of each BESS/Data Centre; and (ii) all financing, including non-UK-based funds. Proposals outside AI Growth Zones can be highly problematic, because they may seek to evade regulation and Government scrutiny. Rural areas are especially vulnerable. There are reports of farmers being threatened with compulsory purchase. Loss of farmland could endanger UK food security. Irreparable harm may be caused to heritage, landscapes, ecology, public health and wellbeing.
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Government responded to this petition
We will not pause data centre or BESS approvals. Both are vital for growth and 2030 clean energy targets. Projects face strict local planning, NSIP review and security laws protect infrastructure.
Read the response in full
The government has no plans to introduce a moratorium on planning approvals for data centres or BESS projects or introduce mandatory Rural Impact Assessments or mandatory comprehensive investigation into financing of all proposals.
Grid-scale batteries are essential for delivering a decarbonised power sector by 2030 and net zero by 2050. They balance the electricity system at lower cost, maximise the use of renewable generation such as wind and solar, reduce the need for new generation and network upgrades, and provide rapid-response services to maintain system frequency and security of supply from milliseconds to several hours. The Government's Clean Power Plan aims to increase grid-scale battery storage capacity from 8.1GW today to 23-27GW by 2030 in the UK.
Data centres are a critical part of the UK’s digital infrastructure. They underpin everyday services and provide the computing capacity needed for scientific research, advancing innovation, and economic growth. The government has designated data centres as Critical National Infrastructure, reflecting their importance to the UK’s economy and security.
The government recognises that data centre developments and battery facilities can raise concerns for local communities, including in relation to land use and environmental impacts. Data centre proposals inside and outside AI Growth Zones, as well as BESS, remain subject to the same planning scrutiny and regulatory requirements as all other developments. As part of the planning process, decision-makers are required to consider a wide range of relevant factors, including impacts on the environment, heritage assets, landscapes, ecology and local communities.
In most cases, planning applications are determined by local planning authorities under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990. The National Planning Policy Framework (2026) requires planning policies and decisions to take into account the quality of agricultural land, including land classified as best and most versatile, and where significant development of such land is necessary, to use areas of poorer quality land in preference to higher quality land.
For particularly large data infrastructure projects, developers may choose to seek consent through the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIP) regime, where the relevant Secretary of State decides on granting development consent, rather than local authorities acting as decisionmaker. The criteria for direction into the NSIP regime and approval to grant development consent will be outlined in the National Policy Statement (NPS) for data centres, which is due to be published shortly. The NPS suggests an indicative threshold for capacity for new projects to be directed into NSIP, and criteria for development consent to be granted including issues such as grid connection, water usage, environmental impacts, and local benefits. Development consent may be refused where significant adverse impacts cannot be appropriately managed or mitigated. The government seeks to support sustainable growth while ensuring impacts on communities and the environment are properly considered.
The government welcomes investment that supports economic growth, innovation and technological development in the UK for both data infrastructure and battery facilities. Alongside this, safeguarding the security and resilience of critical infrastructure remains a key priority. The National Security and Investment Act 2021 provides powers to scrutinise and, where necessary, intervene in acquisitions in Data Centres and BESS that may pose risks to national security.
Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade
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This petition will stay open until 17 February 2027.