Planning applications for data centre developments in England doubled between 2024 and 2025, according to new data obtained through Freedom of Information requests.
2580 Group submitted FOI requests to councils across the country, asking how many planning applications they had received for data centre developments, including schemes classified as sui generis or otherwise identified as data centres. Councils were also asked how many of those applications had been approved.
In total, 50 councils provided data, recording 84 data centre planning applications. Of those, 54 were approved.
The most eye-catching figure is the sharp rise in applications in 2025, with the number doubling from 13 applications in 2024 to 26 in 2025. That followed a 44% increase the previous year, with applications rising from nine in 2023 to 13 in 2024.
While the figures are not a complete picture of the whole market, they do point to growing demand for digital infrastructure as AI, cloud computing and large language models place greater pressure on the UK’s data processing and storage capacity.
It also comes at a time when data centres are facing closer scrutiny in the UK, particularly around planning, power availability, grid connections and local infrastructure. That means councils are likely to find themselves dealing with more technically complex applications, while developers will need to show that proposed sites can be delivered without creating avoidable pressure on local networks.
Michael Scott, Director of 2580 Group, commented, “Data centres are a critical part of our national infrastructure. These sites provide the power and capacity needed to run the digital tools that businesses and consumers now rely on every day, from the internet and apps like Instagram and Facebook to CRMs and Large Language Models like ChatGPT and Claude. As demand grows, developers, investors and councils will need to think carefully about where new data centres are built and how they are delivered.”
He continued, “We expect this trend to continue as demand for data keeps growing. More businesses will enter the market, but long-term success will come down to quality and reliability. It’s not just about being there at the right time, it’s about being able to deliver.”
The increase in applications is unlikely to surprise many in the sector, with data centres increasingly being treated as essential infrastructure rather than a niche property asset. The UK Government has already designated data centres as Critical National Infrastructure, while AI adoption is only adding to demand for high-capacity, resilient facilities.
However, more applications will not automatically translate into more capacity. While gaining planning approval is a significant hurdle, access to power, grid connection timelines, water use, local opposition and construction skills are all likely to shape how quickly new facilities can actually be delivered.
