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Campaigners have expressed strong opposition to a planned data centre covering 101 acres, warning of potentially devastating impacts on the local landscape and wildlife. The proposed development is set to take place between Caernarfon and Y Felinheli in Gwynedd. Developers highlight the benefits of the project, suggesting it could generate more than 900 construction jobs alongside 200 permanent positions once operational.
Despite these economic promises, a petition opposing the data centre garnered nearly 15,000 signatures. Local residents and campaign groups argue that the scale of the project is excessive, raising concerns about noise pollution and the alteration of the natural surroundings. The developers, operating under the name Canolfan Ddata Menai, contend that the new facility would revitalize a long-abandoned, derelict site, creating significant employment opportunities and stimulating investment in the area. At present, the plans are subject to public consultation.
Data centres, which house powerful computing equipment that supports digital services such as online banking and streaming, are classified by the UK government as critical national infrastructure. According to research conducted by the Senedd, most UK jobs now depend on these facilities. The planning documents for this proposal reveal that the data centre would comprise five primary buildings, with the tallest reaching 30 meters (98 feet) in height. However, campaigners remain concerned about the centre’s environmental impact, particularly its substantial water consumption, and question how many of the intended jobs will benefit local people.
Water usage has emerged as a major issue, with figures indicating that the centre could use an average of around 700,000 litres daily, rising to as much as 12 million litres in extreme cases. The developers clarify that the higher figure represents a maximum usage scenario mandated by environmental assessments. They assure that no water will be drawn from the nearby Menai Strait, nor will warm cooling water be discharged into it. Nevertheless, opponents argue that the vast scale of the project could permanently damage the local landscape, extending well beyond the boundaries of the old, disused Ferodo industrial site where the centre is planned. Councillor Gwion Emyr commented, “I’m not against every type of development at Ferodo. We need something there and it’s been empty for over 20 years. There are advantages and disadvantages, but jobs can’t come at the expense of the local community.”
Across the UK, there are currently 568 data centres, with research showing that this number is expected to rise by nearly 20%, including nine new proposals in Wales. A recent Senedd Research report highlighted the potential benefits data centres might bring, such as job creation, investment, skill development, and innovation support. However, it also underscored significant concerns related to resource demands, including electricity consumption, grid capacity, water use, land requirements, biodiversity, and effects on nearby communities. Ofgem has reported a sharp increase in electricity demand from data centre projects seeking grid connections, rising from 41GW to 125GW in just one year. Water UK, the industry’s trade association, estimates data centres consume approximately 6.6 million litres of water daily, equivalent to the usage of 20,000 average households. By some accounts, the UK ranks third globally after the US and Germany in the number of data centres.
Addressing local concerns, a spokesperson for Canolfan Ddata Menai stressed the desire for discussions to be informed by accurate information. They pointed to the project’s aim of transforming a long-neglected industrial site, tackling issues like contamination and safety through private investment. The design incorporates materials, landscaping, and layouts intended to minimize visual impact. Additionally, eight hectares will be dedicated to enhancing biodiversity, and noise mitigation features have been included. The public consultation process remains open for comments until 17 October
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