How HORDE Can Help
The UK Government is preparing sweeping reforms to planning rules to fast-track the growth of data centres — a cornerstone of the country’s AI and digital economy strategy.
According to reports in The Times and The Property Week, a new AI Bill will introduce designated AI Growth Zones (AIGZs). Within these zones, planning applications for data centres could be approved automatically unless the secretary of state or a local mayor intervenes.
These reforms aim to simplify planning, reduce bureaucracy, and accelerate the secure and sustainable expansion of UK digital infrastructure. The proposals build on the Tech Prosperity Deal, through which major US firms — including Microsoft, NVIDIA, Google, OpenAI, and BlackRock — have pledged £31bn to AI infrastructure and research across the UK.
Data centres were also designated critical national infrastructure (CNI) in 2024, emphasising their role in national security, innovation, and the broader economy.
As momentum builds, the UK could soon see rapid development across Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, and other key regions. This expansion will place additional pressure on developers, local authorities, and central government to balance speed of delivery with sustainability and compliance.
Supporting a New Era of Digital Infrastructure
At HORDE, we specialise in building consultancy, compliance, and technical project delivery — helping both government and private clients deliver high-performing, sustainable data centre assets.
Our services include:
- Technical Due Diligence (TDD): We assess sites for acquisition, development potential, and risk.
- Planning & Compliance Advice: We ensure schemes meet building regulations, sustainability standards, and ESG goals.
- Reinstatement Cost Assessments (RCA): We protect critical assets through precise insurance valuations.
- Dilapidations & Lifecycle Strategy: We help safeguard investor and occupier interests with robust exit strategies.
- Project Management: We deliver complex refurbishments and new-build schemes on time and within budget.
- Sustainability & Net Zero Advisory: We guide clients in meeting energy efficiency and carbon-reduction objectives.
- Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM): We create resilience plans to ensure operational continuity in mission-critical environments.
Partnering for Responsible Growth
As the UK reshapes its planning system to unlock AI-driven growth, HORDE is ready to help stakeholders deliver projects that are future-proof, compliant, and sustainable.
By combining deep technical expertise with a proactive, partnership-based approach, we help clients turn policy into progress.
To discuss how HORDE can support your data centre strategy, get in touch today.