MSPs have backed a call for planning and consenting decisions on hyperscale data centres to wait until national guidance is published, alongside measures to secure jobs and community benefits.
Parliament agreed the amended motion by 80 votes to 26, with 15 abstentions, on 16 September. It seeks clearer environmental standards and an industrial strategy to maximise the economic benefits of AI data-centre developments.
Ministers rejected a blanket moratorium, however, saying they did not expect planning decisions before the guidance was ready.
Hannah Mary Goodlad, Minister for Public Finance, told Parliament: “We do not agree that there should be a moratorium. That is not necessary, it is not appropriate, and it would send the wrong message to anyone looking to invest in Scotland.”
She said applications should continue to be lodged and scrutinised on their merits, with the government aiming to bring forward guidance by Christmas.
The motion calls for ministers to report back by the end of 2026 and publish the guidance in full within 12 months, with no planning or consenting decisions on such applications until that work is complete.
Tom Arthur, Minister for Business and Fair Work, said: “I can confirm that we do not anticipate any planning authority decisions being imminent before the Scottish Government guidance is in place.”
MSPs also called for a clear definition of hyperscale data centres and consideration of community benefit schemes and changes to business rates or other taxes to benefit host communities.
Separately, a Scottish Government direction took effect on 17 September requiring environmental impact assessments for applications for new data centres exceeding 50MW power capacity. Projects not meeting that threshold remain subject to case-by-case consideration under the assessment regulations.
The motion also sets out expectations that developments should minimise energy-related emissions, avoid impacts on water usage and incorporate community benefits. It identifies recycling waste heat for community use as good practice.
