More than 5,000 people have signed a petition opposing plans for a major data centre campus on the former Ferodo factory site near Caernarfon.
The Change.org petition, titled “Menai Data Centre – SAY NO!”, was launched on Tuesday, 15 September, and had attracted 5,152 verified signatures by Thursday evening.
An outline planning application has been submitted to Cyngor Gwynedd by Gwelyfenai Ltd for land at and adjoining the former Ferodo/Friction Dynamics site, between the A4871 and the Menai Strait.
The proposals, under application reference C25/0740/20/EIA, cover approximately 41 hectares and could include up to five data centre buildings with a total floorspace of 333,440 square metres.
Those behind the petition have raised concerns about the development’s scale, energy and water requirements, potential noise and air pollution, and its effect on the landscape and wildlife surrounding the Menai Strait.
They claim the tallest buildings could reach around 30 metres – approximately 100 feet – and say the development would significantly change views across the Strait and towards Eryri.
Concerns have also been raised about a proposed 450MW electricity connection, backup diesel generators and the amount of water that could be required to cool the data centre.
The petition states that the project’s environmental assessment identifies a potential maximum water demand of almost 12 million litres a day, although it says the developer considers demand of approximately 700,000 litres a day to be more likely.
Campaigners say they are particularly concerned about the possible impact on the Menai Strait Special Area of Conservation and neighbouring Sites of Special Scientific Interest.
The petition reads: “The stakes are high, and time is pressing. We need your support to make our voices heard.
“Help us convince the local council to reject the plans for the mega data centre in Caernarfon and prioritise the preservation of what makes our home so special.”
Gwelyfenai Ltd’s planning documents describe the proposal as a “state-of-the-art digital infrastructure facility” that would support cloud computing, artificial intelligence and other digital services.
The applicant says the project would incorporate low-carbon technology, advanced cooling systems and biodiversity improvements, while creating a strategic employment hub and contributing to local and national economic growth.
The application remains under consideration by Cyngor Gwynedd. The petition states that the current deadline for submitting representations is Tuesday, 22 September.
The petition can be viewed here: Menai Data Centre – SAY NO!
Photo: The former Ferodo factory site beside the Menai Strait, where a major data-centre campus is proposed. Photo: GRONK Urban Exploration
