Private prototype. Facts from research on 2 to 3 October 2026; not yet reviewed for publication. Forms do not submit.
Early stageCockenzie and Port Seton, East Lothian

Don't sign Cockenzie up to a data centre

East Lothian Council has picked a partner to develop a 200MW data centre on the old power station coal store, close to homes. It's not in the planning system yet. The council is both landowner and planning authority.

Planning notice
Cockenzie data centre
Ref
None yet
Decides
East Lothian Council as planning authority
Size
200MW, 28 ha
Next
Planning application expected
What we're asking for

To East Lothian Council: Pause the Cockenzie data centre joint venture until Scotland's national guidance on hyperscale data centres is in place, and put local people first.

Why local people are worried

200MWReported size of the data centre on about 28 hectares.
HomesThe site is close to homes, a playpark and Cockenzie's school, campaigners say.
Both sidesThe council is the landowner, the joint venture partner and the planning authority.

Get ready to object

There's no planning application yet, so there's nothing formal to object to. This is the time to get organised, tell the developer and councillors what you think, and be ready when the application goes in.

  • Good planning grounds include: impact on the Green Belt or countryside, energy use and carbon, water supply, noise, traffic, wildlife and heritage. Developers' promises are not guarantees: ask for them to be made binding.

Contact local councillors and MSPs; join the local group. No statutory consultation is open.

Read our full guide to objecting

Others campaigning here

We link to everyone working on this. Please support them too.

Spread the word

Every fact on this page is sourced. See the full record on Data Centre Watch. Last checked 3 October 2026.