UK Planning Policy Now Backs AI Growth Zones as Microsoft Chip Shortfall Raises Alarm

The UK government has given AI growth zones and datacentres explicit backing in its updated National Planning Policy Framework, announced Monday by Housing Secretary Angela Rayner. The revised NPPF creates a "default yes" presumption for developments near transport hubs — and for the first time formally embeds AI infrastructure alongside housing as a national priority. The framework states "stronger support for growth and infrastructure including support for AI growth zones...