Urban Planning Challenges Surrounding Data Centre Siting in the Greater London Area and Policy Implications for Japan

Abstract

With rapid AI development and digital transformation, data centers have become critical national digital infrastructure, requiring specialized spatial and technical characteristics. In Japan, expanding demand for data centers intensifies challenges related to land use, energy and water resources, disaster resilience, and local community acceptance. Drawing on Greater London, a leading European data center cluster, this study analyzes land use regulations, Green Belt policies, and multi-level governance to identify institutional dilemmas and urban planning challenges. Findings suggest four policy directions for Japan: strategic spatial planning, streamlined regulatory coordination, diversified site evaluation criteria, and clear urban policy perspectives. Integrating national strategy with local consensus and standardizing technical guidelines is essential for sustainable and socially compatible data center development.