Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether her Department undertook an environmental impact assessment for the building of new data centres before the announcement of the Tech Prosperity Deal on 16 September 2025.

Developers are responsible for carrying out environmental impact assessments for new data centres. As part of our criteria for hosting major data centres, such as in AI Growth Zones (AIGZ), we set a minimum requirement of at least 500MW of energy capacity by 2030; 100 acres of developable land; and support from local planning authorities.

Applicants are also required to demonstrate positive local impact, including access to low-carbon energy sources, potential for regeneration, and alignment with local planning priorities.