Local MSP welcomes Scottish Parliament inquiry into environmental impact of data centres

Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Claire Baker has welcomed a new Scottish Parliament inquiry into the environmental impacts of hyperscale data centres, highlighting the proposed Cato development at Auchtertool as an example of why greater scrutiny is needed.

The Climate Action Committee is seeking views on the potential environmental impacts of constructing and operating hyperscale data centres in Scotland, including through a short survey and a detailed call for evidence. Claire Baker, who sits on the Committee, has raised questions about the growth of hyperscale data centres in Scotland, including concerns around their environmental impact, energy and water demands, planning framework and the need for a strategic approach from the Scottish Government.

The proposed Cato data centre at Auchtertool has become a particular focus of local concern. Scottish Ministers have now directed that an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is required for the development, and the application will be subject to further assessment and public consultation once the EIA is submitted.

The Scottish Parliament agreed that no planning or consenting decisions on hyperscale data centre applications should be made until the Scottish Government has completed its new national planning guidance. Claire has also recently questioned the Scottish Government on how communities including Auchtertool will be involved in developing that guidance.

Claire Baker MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife said:

“The proposed data centre at Auchtertool has demonstrated why we need to properly understand the environmental impacts of these very large developments and have the right planning framework in place. I have been raising these issues in Parliament for some time, including asking the Scottish Government about environmental impact assessments, the scale of the developments being proposed and when its national planning guidance and strategic framework will be in place.

“The Parliament has been clear that these applications should not simply proceed while the new national guidance is being developed. That is particularly relevant for Auchtertool, where there is already a live planning application and significant local interest in how its impacts will be assessed.

“There are a growing number of hyperscale data centre proposals across Scotland, and we need to understand their cumulative impact on our environment, energy and water resources, as well as the implications for local communities.

“That is why the Climate Action Committee’s inquiry is important. We want to hear from communities, organisations, experts and others with experience or evidence that can help us understand these issues. I would encourage people across Mid Scotland and Fife to contribute to the inquiry and make sure their views are heard.”