Government admits its approval for Buckinghamshire AI datacentre should be quashed

The UK government has conceded that its approval for a large AI datacentre in Buckinghamshire should be overturned due to an inadequate environmental impact assessment. The decision, initially made to encourage AI investment, was challenged by environmental campaigners concerned about the datacentre's carbon emissions and water usage. The government admitted to a "serious logical error" in not requiring a full assessment. The project, known as the West London Technology Park, is being developed by Greystoke on greenbelt land near the M25. Campaigners argue the government prioritized tech company profits over environmental concerns and local community interests. The reversal is a setback to the government's strategy of rapidly expanding datacentre infrastructure, which it considers critical to the UK's digital economy.

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