Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, with reference to recommendation 4 of the independent report entitled AI Opportunities Action Plan, published by his Department on 13 January 2025, whether he plans to introduce a streamlined planning approvals process for AI Growth Zones.

The Government is committed to enabling the timely delivery of AI infrastructure across the UK. The Planning and Infrastructure Bill will support the streamlining of planning approvals for AI infrastructure and data centres, building on work led by MHCLG and reinforced by the inclusion of data centres in the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects consenting approach.

The AI Opportunities Action Plan sets out measures to enable the growth of AI infrastructure, including addressing challenges such as planning and energy access. As part of this, the Government is engaging with local and regional authorities, and relevant regulators to support timely decision-making.