AI in Planning: How the UK Planning System Supports AI Opportunities Action Plan

The UK government’s AI Opportunities Action Plan highlights a bold vision for positioning the nation as a global leader in artificial intelligence. A key enabler of this vision is through AI in planning, ensuring that the planning system keeps pace with the rapid development and adoption of AI technologies.

Streamlining AI Infrastructure Through Planning Reform

Central to these reforms are initiatives designed to simplify the establishment of AI infrastructure. One major step is the introduction of AI Growth Zones (AIGZs), which would accelerate the approval process for building essential data centres - essential for training and running AI models. By strategically locating these zones in areas with existing energy capacity, such as post-industrial towns, the government also aims to foster local economic regeneration while attracting private investment.

Supporting AI in Planning Policy: A National Approach

To complement these zones, a new national planning policy is recommended to fast-track developments critical to AI’s success, ensuring smoother pathways for creating and expanding compute and research facilities. These reforms would not only boost AI infrastructure but also strengthen the UK's position as a hub for global talent, aligning with the government’s efforts to attract and retain top-tier AI professionals.

Driving Sustainable AI in Planning and Infrastructure

The government also sees AI in planning as a way to support sustainability goals. Eco-friendly designs for data centres and renewable energy sources within AI infrastructure projects ensures that growth in AI goes hand in hand with environmental responsibility.

AI in Planning: Building the Foundation for Innovation

By removing barriers to infrastructure development and backing innovation, AI in planning becomes a cornerstone of the government’s strategy to capitalise on AI’s transformative potential. The planning system isn’t just supporting AI - it’s helping to power its future.

Read the Government’s AI Opportunities Action Plan.

AI Growth Zones could deliver fast track planning approvals for data centres