Data Centre Watch Updated 23 October 2026, 17:16 UTC
Data Centre Watch
The local fight over one field is one row in a national rush. This is a rolling, fully sourced record of what changed — the schemes, the planning decisions, the power and water, and the wider world picture.
days under a hosepipe ban
Under a hosepipe ban for 106 days — since 10 July 2026 (as of 23 October 2026).
Affinity Water — Central region (incl. WD5), extended to the East region
11 areas in drought, parts of 4 in severe · reservoirs 54% · the water picture →
Latest
3 entries matching · showing 1–3
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An Coimisiún Pleanála refuses Killala data centre over grid connection
The board overturned Mayo County Council's permission for a data centre at the former Asahi site in Killala — a scheme reported at €1.5bn, and one that had drawn objections including from Sally Rooney. A key reason given was the absence of a grid connection, which the developer could not obtain until planning was granted: councillor Jarlath Munnelly said the decision had 'delivered a worrying message', and council chief executive Kevin Kelly called it 'a very disappointing outcome'.
Why it matters: The grid-versus-planning circularity in a single decision: you cannot get a connection without permission, and you cannot get permission without a connection.
Source: Western People (Local Democracy Reporting) [V]
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Waterford refuses Echelon's 203MW Kilmeaden campus
Waterford City and County Council has refused permission for Echelon's 108-hectare 'technology park' at Kilmeaden, on the site of a former cheese factory: three data centres with roughly 203MW of average demand, 16 gas turbines, solar and battery storage, plus a new village centre. The refusal cited a failure to show sufficient grid capacity or on-site renewable generation (or corporate PPAs), conflict with the Climate Action Plan 2025, loss of village character, no adequate wastewater network and flood risk. About 500 submissions opposed it, and the Green Party's Roderic O'Gorman used the decision to call for a renewed moratorium on fossil-powered data centres, citing a recent refusal in Killala, Co Mayo.
Why it matters: On-site gas and a thin energy case did not survive the planning committee — the clearest 'own your power or lose consent' outcome this week.
Source: Irish Examiner / RTÉ [C]
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Westfield blocks a $4bn data centre — New England's largest
The Westfield planning board refused to extend the construction permit for Servistar's $4bn campus — 10 buildings and 274MW, which would have been New England's largest. The city's one-year moratorium (from July) means a fresh attempt could only come next July, and any new bid would face demands to protect the water supply. Data Center Watch counts 75 projects worth $130bn cancelled nationally in Q1 2026.
Why it matters: A rare outright stop — and evidence the local revolt is large enough to see in the national numbers.
Source: The Boston Globe [C]
Watchlist — what lands next
| What | State | When |
|---|---|---|
| Data-centre National Policy Statement (NPS) | Still unpublished; projects already being directed into the NSIP regime without it. | Expected 'shortly after' the Jan 2026 regulations |
| Ofgem 'Curate' data-centre connection reform | Consultation closed 17 Sep 2026; decision pending — commitment fee £237,500–£712,500/MW. | Decision later in 2026 |
| Scotland — hyperscale planning guidance | Parliament agreed no decisions on hyperscale applications until guidance is published. | Guidance expected by December 2026 |
| Draft London Plan — data-centre policy GLE3 | Consultation closed 15 October 2026; responses under consideration. | Next draft / adoption pending |
| National Scheme of Delegation for planning functions (SI 2026/854) | Standardises which applications go to officers vs committee; non-compliant committee decisions open to judicial review. | In force 31 October 2026 |
| EU data-centre standards and rating scheme | Commission has adopted a data-centre sustainability rating scheme; consultation on minimum performance standards remains open. | Consultation closes 14 December 2026 |
| Environmental Audit Committee report (HC 22) | Inquiry 'Risks and opportunities to the sustainability of data centres in the UK'; report + government response due. | Awaiting publication |
| Three Rivers Local Plan examination | Plan submitted; examination in H1 2027, adoption targeted Sep 2027. | Submission 30 November 2026 |
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Fully sourced, no invented numbers
Every entry names its source and how it is known — verified, a designated claim, our calculation, or a gap. Where a claim is contested, we say so. See all reports & explainers →