Edinburgh rejects 212MW data centre as Scottish Ministers review appeal

Representative Image of a proposed green data centre in Edinburgh featuring a public park surrounded by nature (AI-generated image) A proposed green data centre with a public park in Edinburgh has become part of a wider debate over how Scotland should assess large data centre developments. The City of Edinburgh Council’s Development Management Sub-Committee voted to refuse the scheme at 1 Redheughs Avenue on 4 February 2026, despite a recommendation from planning officers to grant permission. The decision notice was dated 9 February. Shelborn Drummond Ltd appealed, and Scottish Ministers recalled the appeal on 17 August. The proposal, described in public reporting as a roughly 210MW to 212MW development, includes data centre buildings, supporting infrastructure, sports facilities and active travel routes. The case also involves a dispute over environmental impact assessment, as Scotland introduces new rules for qualifying data centres exceeding 50MW and develops national guidance for hyperscale projects.Why Edinburgh refused the data centre proposalThe application, reference 25/04239/PPP, concerns a proposed green data centre at 1 Redheughs Avenue in the Edinburgh Park and South Gy...