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.
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