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South Gyle data centre Edinburgh

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Edinburgh Councillors Reject ‘Green’ Data Centre Plans After Lengthy Debate

Edinburgh Councillors Reject ‘Green’ Data Centre Proposal

Plans for a large “green” data centre in Edinburgh have been unanimously rejected by councillors, following a lengthy and at times sceptical debate over its environmental impact and local value.

The proposal, which centred on land at South Gyle, was considered by the City of Edinburgh Council’s Development Management Sub-Committee. Despite a recommendation for approval from planning officers, councillors from all parties voted to refuse the application after almost four hours of discussion.

What was being proposed

The application sought permission for a 140MW hyperscale data centre, promoted by developers as a low-carbon facility designed to support digital infrastructure while aligning with climate goals.

Developers argued the site would be energy-efficient and future-focused, but councillors said the evidence did not convincingly support the “green” label.

Why councillors rejected it

While concerns varied across the committee, several key issues came up repeatedly during the debate:

  • Environmental impact: Members said the scale of the data centre raised unanswered questions about energy use and emissions.
  • Climate commitments: Councillors questioned whether the project aligned with Scotland’s wider climate targets, including the Scottish Government’s legally binding goal to reach net zero by 2045.
  • Limited local benefit: Doubts were raised over how many long-term jobs the facility would create once construction was complete.
  • Lack of clear standards: Councillors expressed frustration at the absence of firm guidance on what qualifies as a genuinely “green” data centre.

One councillor summed up that uncertainty bluntly during the meeting, saying:

“If you look at guidance on green data centres — who the hell knows?”

The remark appeared to reflect broader unease across the chamber, with members unconvinced that sustainability claims had been properly defined or independently verified.

Wider context

Scotland’s climate policy, set out in national strategies and emissions-reduction targets, places increasing pressure on local authorities to scrutinise large energy-intensive developments. Several councillors said approving a project of this scale could undermine progress toward those goals, even if mitigation measures were proposed.

Environmental campaigners also voiced opposition to the plans, warning that data centres are among the fastest-growing sources of electricity demand and should face tougher planning tests.

What happens next

With the application now refused, the developer must decide whether to appeal the decision or return with a revised proposal that more clearly demonstrates environmental compliance and tangible community benefit.

The vote sends a clear signal that, in Edinburgh, large-scale digital infrastructure projects will face close scrutiny — particularly when climate credentials are central to their case.

Additional reporting

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George Street Edinburgh Revamp

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George Street Revamp to Be Funded by Edinburgh’s New Tourist Tax

After years of discussion, delays, and half-starts, plans to revamp George Street are finally moving forward — with funding set to come from Edinburgh’s new tourist tax.

The council has confirmed that revenue from the visitor levy will help fund major public realm improvements on George Street. These are expected to include wider pavements, better pedestrian space, more seating, improved cycling access, and an overall shift towards a quieter, people-first street.

It’s a project that’s been on and off the table for a long time. Rising costs and competing priorities have repeatedly pushed it back. The introduction of a dedicated tourism fund now appears to be the missing piece needed to get work started.

Council leaders say George Street is one of the flagship projects identified for early investment once the levy goes live, alongside other long-planned city improvements that have struggled to secure funding.

What Is the Tourist Tax?

Edinburgh’s tourist tax (officially known as the Visitor Levy) will apply to overnight stays in the city and is expected to come into force in 2026.

In simple terms, visitors staying in hotels, B&Bs, guesthouses, and short-term lets will pay a small additional charge per night. The money collected will be ring-fenced, meaning it must be spent on things that support the city and tourism infrastructure rather than general council budgets.

That includes:

  • Public realm upgrades
  • Transport and accessibility improvements
  • City centre maintenance
  • Facilities used heavily by visitors and residents alike

Accommodation providers will collect the levy as part of the booking or bill, then pass it on to the council. Similar schemes already operate in cities across Europe.

Why George Street?

George Street sits right at the heart of the city centre but has long felt like an awkward halfway house, not quite a pedestrian street, not quite a traffic route that really works.

Campaigners and local businesses have argued for years that it should be redesigned to prioritise people over vehicles, make better use of the space between buildings, and support events without constant temporary closures and barriers.

The council says the revamp will help:

  • Improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists
  • Make the street more flexible for events and outdoor use
  • Support nearby shops, bars, and restaurants
  • Create a greener, more welcoming city centre

Final designs and timelines haven’t yet been confirmed, but using tourist tax funding suggests the project is now being treated as a long-term investment rather than another stalled concept.

For a street that’s been promised change more times than most, this may finally be the moment when plans turn into reality.

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Edinburgh homelessness

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Edinburgh Launches New Homelessness-Prevention Pilot

A major new initiative aimed at preventing people from becoming homeless has been approved for Edinburgh, after the City of Edinburgh Council and local partners secured funding from the Scottish Government.

The pilot — called the System Wide Approach to Prevention (SWAP) – “Ask and Act” — will run in Wester Hailes and focus on stepping in much earlier to help people at risk of losing their home. The idea is simple but powerful: ask about someone’s housing situation, act quickly, and offer coordinated support before they reach crisis point.

The scheme is directly linked to the newly passed Housing (Scotland) Act 2025, which places a legal duty on public bodies to spot early warning signs and take action to prevent homelessness.

Across Scotland, 15 projects are sharing £4 million from the Homelessness Prevention Pilot Fund, managed by Advice Direct Scotland. Edinburgh has secured just over £600,000 of this pot — a strong endorsement of the city’s proposal.

A new multi-agency team will now be created, bringing together staff from the Council, NHS Lothian, Police Scotland, Prospect Community Housing, Social Security Scotland, the Scottish Prison Service and Crisis.

These partners will embed the “Ask and Act” approach into everyday services across Wester Hailes, giving residents a single point of contact for fast, joined-up support.

The aim is to identify issues early — whether financial pressure, health concerns, or instability at home — and offer practical help that keeps people in their accommodation.

Councillor Tim Pogson, Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener, welcomed the news, saying the funding will boost efforts to tackle Edinburgh’s ongoing housing emergency.

He noted that the city’s prevention services supported 2,622 households last year as part of its Local Housing Strategy.

Housing Secretary Màiri McAllan said the Scottish Government is determined to end homelessness by preventing it: “This investment will help us test and scale up innovative approaches to help people stay in their homes.”

Further details on rollout, neighbourhood engagement, and support options are expected in the coming weeks.

📄 More info here: edinburgh.gov.uk
📍 City of Edinburgh Council, Waverley Court, 4 East Market St, Edinburgh EH8 8BG

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