MSPs reject moratorium but back pause on AI data centres until guidance in place

Ahead of the vote, the Scottish Government announced tighter rules for AI data centre applications (Image: NQ staff)

MSPs have rejected an outright moratorium on AI data centres, instead backing a pause on planning and consent decisions until the Scottish Government publishes national planning guidance.

A motion was lodged by the Scottish Greens which called for a pause on planning applications amid a surge of speculative proposals for huge facilities across the country.