Concerns have been raised about proposals for a large AI data centre on the Menai Strait between Felinheli and Caernarfon.

Member of the Welsh Parliament Janet Finch-Saunders has reiterated her opposition to the plans, which would involve the construction of a data centre building along with back-up generators, associated plant and equipment and a new substation at the former Gerodo/Friction Dynamics site.

The development is being proposed as part of the growing demand for data centre capacity to support digital services and artificial intelligence. Such facilities contain large numbers of computer servers which process and store data and require significant amounts of electricity and cooling infrastructure.

The scale of the proposed development has prompted concerns locally, particularly because of the size of the main building, which has been described as being around 100 feet tall.

Mrs Finch-Saunders says she has been contacted by residents who are concerned about the potential impact on the area's water supply, energy demand, pollution and air quality, as well as possible effects on wildlife and the surrounding landscape.

She also says some local businesses have raised concerns about the potential impact of the development and the character of the area.

Writing to Welsh Government Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning Siân Gwenllian, Mrs Finch-Saunders said she believed the concerns being raised by residents deserved to be taken seriously.

She has called for the plans to be rejected, saying the local environment, landscape, wildlife and communities should be protected.

The proposed site is a former industrial location, and any planning application will be considered through the relevant planning process, with environmental, infrastructure and other potential impacts subject to assessment.

Data centres have become an increasingly important part of the UK's digital infrastructure as demand for cloud computing, online services and AI technology grows. However, their development can also raise questions around electricity supply, water use, cooling systems, noise, traffic and the visual impact of large buildings.

Mrs Finch-Saunders is encouraging residents who have concerns about the proposal to make their views known to Cyngor Gwynedd as part of the planning process.

She said: “I am deeply concerned about the proposed AI data centre. It will have a significant impact on the local water supply, pollution levels, the amount of energy required to operate the centre, air quality, and potentially the surrounding wildlife and ecosystems.”

She added that residents had contacted her about environmental concerns and the potential consequences for the surrounding area and local businesses.

The proposals remain subject to the planning process, with the final decision taking into account the relevant planning considerations and evidence submitted as part of the application.