A petition opposing plans for a data centre in Gwynedd that would cover an area the size of 57 football pitches has been signed by almost 19,000.

A huge data centre is proposed on the former Ferodo site and adjacent land on the banks of the Menai Strait.

Dwyfor Meirionnydd MP, Liz Saville Roberts stated her opposition to the plans at a public meeting attended by around 250 people.

The meeting in Caernarfon was organised by the No Menai Data Centre campaign group and chaired by local resident Emyr Davies. Residents gathered to discuss the proposed development.

Opposition to the scheme continues to grow, with nearly 19,000 people now having signed an online petition against the proposals. Serious concerns have been voiced about its scale, visual impact, environmental consequences, water usage, and energy demands.

The tallest buildings would be 100 feet high, compared to the 29-foot height of the former Ferodo factory and would transform beyond recognition the coastline which forms the front elevation of extensive views of Eryri.

Mrs Saville Roberts said the growing number of people signing the petition demonstrates the depth and breadth of concern that exists and encouraged anyone opposed to the proposals to formally respond to the planning consultation.

Residents and stakeholders have until 17 October to respond to the planning application via Gwynedd Council.

Mrs Saville Roberts MP said: “The sheer scale of these proposals is staggering.

“We are not talking about a modest development, but a data centre complex covering an area equivalent to 57 football pitches on the shores of the Menai Strait.

“Such a dramatic change to this landscape demands the highest level of scrutiny and public engagement.

“The turnout at this meeting demonstrated the strength of feeling locally.

“More than 250 people attended to make their concerns known, and with almost 19,000 signatures now on the petition, it is clear that opposition to these plans is growing by the day.

“I have listened carefully to residents and I share their concerns. That is why I have made it clear that I oppose these proposals.

“Supporters of the scheme point to the prospect of new jobs, but local people are entitled to ask some hard questions.

“The key question is whether questionable long-term employment benefits genuinely justify a project of this scale.

“When a proposal of this magnitude is put forward, the burden is on the developers to demonstrate a clear and lasting benefit to local communities.

“Many residents are unconvinced that the number of permanent jobs likely to be created comes anywhere near matching the scale of what is being proposed.

“The combination of public health concerns relating to site clearance and potential contamination, the significant water requirements of the facility, the loss of productive agricultural land, and the broader environmental and landscape impacts lead me to conclude that the risks far outweigh the claimed benefits.

“I do not believe that the development currently represents the right form of investment for our area. Our communities should not be asked to shoulder long-term environmental and infrastructure burdens in exchange for extremely uncertain economic returns.”