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Regulatory tracker · United Kingdom · Planning and permitting
National Planning Policy Framework (September 2026)
The new framework names data centres in plan-making and gives substantial weight to AI Growth Zone proposals.
In force Published 29 September 2026; a material consideration from publication.
What it does
The rule in brief
The revised framework for England asks plans to provide for facilities for high technology industries including data centres and associated generating capacity and grid connections (policy E1). Decision makers should give substantial weight to the economic benefits of commercial development that reflects proposals for Industrial Strategy Zones and AI Growth Zones (policy E2), and the availability of grid connections or the chance to co-locate large generators and users of power, such as data centres, can make locations particularly important. Data centres are classed as essential infrastructure for flood risk (Annex F).
Timeline
Key dates
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| 29 September 2026 | Framework published and in effect for decisions |
Found automatically
Recent official documents
Found on GOV.UK; the summary above was last reviewed on 27 October 2026.
Primary sources
Read it at source
- National Planning Policy Framework Government
- NPPF chapter 7: Building a strong, effective economy Government
Cite as: InfraCompute regulatory tracker, “National Planning Policy Framework (September 2026)”, checked 27 October 2026, https://www.infracompute.co.uk/tools/regulatory-tracker/uk-nppf-2026.
Related
Also on the tracker
Executive Order 14318: federal permitting of data centres
Faster federal permitting and financial support for data centre projects over 100 MW or $500m capex.
United Kingdom · Investment screeningNational Security and Investment Act 2021
Mandatory approval before acquiring control of a UK entity in 17 sectors, including data infrastructure and computing hardware.
United Kingdom · Cyber and resilienceCyber Security and Resilience Bill
Brings data centres of 1 MW or more (10 MW for enterprise sites) under the NIS rules, with Ofcom as regulator.
United Kingdom · Cyber and resilienceData centres designated critical national infrastructure
UK data centres were designated CNI in September 2024, alongside energy and water.
Method
Each entry is written from the official text and the government, regulator or legislature pages listed above, never from secondary commentary. New documents on GOV.UK are picked up automatically and listed here. Status and dates can change after the review date, so check the source before relying on it. General information drawn from public filings. It is not legal advice on any transaction, and using this page does not create a lawyer-client relationship. Views are personal.
