Microsoft’s plans for a new data centre in Leeds highlight growing industry concerns about the speed of the UK’s planning and energy infrastructure processes. The company submitted proposals earlier this month for a facility at Skelton Grange, with a planned construction start in 2027. Current projections indicate the site may not be able to access the required power until 2032.
The gap between planning approval and energy availability underscores a wider challenge facing large-scale developments, particularly those with high electricity demand. Digital infrastructure projects continue to expand across the UK, but many require grid connections that are delayed by network capacity constraints and lengthy approval stages.
Government ministers have recently introduced further planning reforms designed to accelerate development and align with broader economic-growth plans. Energy costs remain a central concern for businesses, and the Government has launched a consultation to reduce electricity bills for around 7,000 manufacturers. The proposed scheme is scheduled to begin in April 2027 and would apply to sectors such as automotive, aerospace, and chemicals, as well as companies within their supply chains.
For companies investing in power-intensive facilities, the Leeds case illustrates the operational risks associated with extended timelines for grid connection and the broader impact on industrial competitiveness.
