London’s data-centre debate puts electrical capacity in focus

What the Assembly published

On 15 October 2026, the London Assembly’s Planning and Regeneration Committee called for clearer guidance to help boroughs assess data-centre applications. Its announcement highlights pressures on electricity infrastructure and the complexity of deciding suitable locations.

The accompanying letter forms part of the Committee’s response to the draft London Plan. These are scrutiny comments and recommendations, rather than newly adopted planning requirements.

Engin’s project commentary

The practical question extends to London projects adding significant electrical or cooling demand. When taking over a Stage 3 package, establish what the incoming-supply allowance represents: a design estimate, a request to the network operator, or documented connection terms. Record the evidence and any conditions attached.

Keep the load schedule, equipment selections and connection correspondence together. If plant or the proposed building use changes, identify who will review the demand assumptions and which other decisions may need to change. An unresolved supply question should remain visible in the design brief.

For programme planning, distinguish the date the project wants power from the connection milestones confirmed by the responsible parties. Agree who coordinates the incoming supply, switchgear, plant interfaces and commissioning sequence. Give each outstanding dependency an owner and a date for the next decision.

Bring the evidence into Stage 4

A useful review starts with the latest M&E drawings, load schedule, connection information and construction programme. Engin supports contractor-side design development and technical coordination. Network capacity and planning decisions remain matters for the relevant network operator and planning authority.