""This is an absolutely momentous decision," said APRS director Dr Kat Jones, adding that the debate exposed a broader industry problem since both planning officials and councillors repeatedly questioned what qualifies as a "green datacenter.""
""The lack of a clear definition of a 'green datacenter' is a glaring issue that will be faced by every hyperscale facility coming through the planning system," she said, calling for a temporary pause on approvals while environmental impacts are reassessed."
Edinburgh councillors refused planning permission in principle for a proposed AI datacenter campus on the former Royal Bank of Scotland headquarters in South Gyle. City planners had recommended approval, arguing benefits justified bending rules for a mixed-use neighbourhood. The proposal from Shelborn Asset Management promised up to 213 MW of IT capacity, new cooling technology, renewable energy commitments, public green space and sports facilities. Opponents raised concerns about emissions, backup power systems and alignment with local planning priorities. Environmental group APRS called the decision momentous and urged clearer definitions and reassessment of environmental impacts before future approvals.
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