The London Assembly Planning and Regeneration
Committee has called on the Mayor to
help boroughs manage the rapid growth of data centres across
London, warning that councils need clearer guidance on how to
deal with increasingly complex planning applications.
Questions at Borough levels remain over where data centres should
be located and how to balance economic benefits with pressures on
infrastructure and local communities.
The Committee has previously raised concerns about
the impact of data centres on London's electricity network,
warning that the success of the new policy will depend on
effective implementation.
Chair of the London Assembly Planning and Regeneration
Committee, AM, said:
"Data centres are increasingly important to London's economy,
but they also place growing demands on London's energy
infrastructure.
"Many boroughs have limited experience of handling these
complex applications. Clear guidance from City Hall will help
ensure developments are located in the right places and don't
delay the delivery of much-needed housing in London."
The Committee's recommendations form part of its statutory
scrutiny and consultation response to the Mayor's draft London
Plan, which will guide how London grows and develops over the
next 25 years.
The submission draws on evidence gathered through two public
engagement events held by the Committee over the summer,
involving young people and adults living in London
and stakeholders from across the housing, transport,
business and environment sectors.
Notes for editors
- Find
out more about the work of the Planning and
Regeneration Committee
- Read
the letter in full.
- Read
the report from the stakeholder event here and from the
Londoners event here.
