New law allows Kerava data centre to bypass planning appeals

A controversial data centre planned for a forested area in Kerava could proceed even if the local master plan faces legal challenges, following changes to Finland’s Building Act, reports Yle.

The project, located between the Kerava River and Lahdenväylä highway, has drawn opposition from environmental groups who argue it will destroy some of the area’s last remaining forests. Under the amended law, the city may now issue a “clean transition” placement permit, a fast-track approval that limits opportunities for appeals compared to standard zoning processes.

Kerava’s chief building inspector, Timo Vatanen, confirmed that while the city’s primary goal remains advancing through normal zoning, the new permit serves as a backup. “If the plan is appealed and its legal validity is delayed indefinitely, we can use this clean transition permit to move the project forward,” Vatanen said.

The law, which took effect last year, allows certain projects—including data centres—to bypass traditional zoning and appeal procedures, marking a fundamental shift in municipal land-use authority. Originally covering battery factories and energy plants, data centres were added to the list just weeks before the law’s implementation.

Environmental groups criticise “false transition”
Tero Alstola, chair of Kerava’s Environmental Protection Association, condemned the project, stating it would “irreversibly destroy the last forest areas.” He rejected the notion of data centres as “clean transition” projects if they come at the expense of local nature, noting their massive electricity demand would divert resources from genuine green initiatives. “The power used by data centres is taken away from real clean transition projects,” Alstola argued.

The permit’s use requires proof of energy efficiency, such as waste heat utilisation in district heating networks—plans that exist for the Kerava project. Developed by property firm FCDC Corp Oy, the centre could begin construction as early as autumn if the city invokes the fast-track permit.

FCDC’s land acquisition director, Jaakko Leinonen, told Yle the company currently has no plans to use the alternative permit, stating, “Our data centre project’s zoning amendment has been approved by the city council. The clean transition permit is not part of our plans.”

Municipalities lose discretion under new rules
Unlike zoning, which remains under municipal control, the placement permit is a legal determination: if criteria are met, the municipality must grant approval or face sanctions. The process also restricts appeals primarily to nearby residents and directly affected parties.

Paula Mäenpää, development manager at the Association of Finnish Municipalities, noted the shift in power dynamics: “Here, the obligation is reversed—the applicant prepares the assessments, and the municipality must decide within six months.”

The change aligns with upcoming reforms to Finland’s Land Use Act, which are expected to further limit appeal rights in zoning cases. While the law aims to accelerate green transition projects, critics warn it may prioritise industrial development over local environmental concerns.