THE UK Government has refused to budge on its position relating to the construction of AI data centres or Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) despite a petition reaching over 28,000 signatures.

It comes after a petition by Devon farmer and councillor Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin called on the government to introduce an immediate moratorium on planning approval for BESS systems and data centres outside of dedicated ‘AI Growth Zones’.

This was in addition to a mandatory rural impact assessment conducted at a local level and a mandatory comprehensive investigation into the financing of all proposals.

The petition stated: “We believe robust evaluation is needed as to the cost-benefit analysis of each BESS/Data Centre and 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.”

The petition, under the title ‘Introduce urgent moratorium on AI data centres and BESS outside AI growth zones’ has caught the eye of people across the United Kingdom, with signatures coming from every parliamentary constituency.

Having passed the 10,000 signature mark on the Parliament petition website, it meant the government was obliged to respond to it.

It responded by making clear its stance: “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.”

The lengthy reply went onto state that grid scale batteries were essential for delivering a decarbonised power sector by 2030 and achieve net zero by 2050.

It also added that data centres, in its view were a ‘critical part of the UK’s digital infrastructure’, providing every day services and providing computing power for scientific research, advancing innovation and economic growth to the point where data centres were considered ‘critical national infrastructure’.

The government response also made mention of the ‘concerns’ of some people, stating: “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.”

It also stated that where development is necessary, it should use ‘poorer quality land in preference to higher quality land’.

The government added: “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.”

Find out about planning applications that affect you by visiting the Public Notice Portal.

If the petition reaches 100,000 signatures, it could be considered for a Parliamentary debate.