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Data Centre Sparks Fierce Local Uproar Over Landscape and Wildlife
22 Sep
Summary
- Campaigners warn a 101-acre data centre will harm local landscape and wildlife.
- Developers promise over 900 jobs, while locals fear noise and visual impact.
- The proposed centre could use up to 12 million litres of water daily.
A proposed 101-acre data centre development between Caernarfon and Y Felinheli in Gwynedd faces strong opposition from local campaigners. Developers claim the project could create over 900 jobs during construction and 200 permanent roles, revitalizing a derelict site. However, nearly 15,000 petition signatures highlight concerns about noise pollution, landscape destruction, and environmental impact.
Concerns are particularly focused on the centre's significant water usage, potentially up to 12 million litres daily, and the visual impact of buildings up to 30m high. Residents fear the development will ruin views and negatively affect the community's quality of life. Planning documents indicate noise could affect people within a 2.5-mile radius.
Despite developers stating the site will be transformed, with noise mitigation and biodiversity enhancements planned, campaigners argue the jobs cannot come at the expense of the local community. The public consultation for the plans is ongoing until October 17, 2026.
Data centres, classified as critical national infrastructure, are rapidly expanding in the UK, with Wales proposing nine new facilities. This growth, however, raises significant questions regarding electricity demand, grid capacity, water usage, and local environmental impacts.
