The Welsh Government has issued a holding directive on plans for a data centre on the site of the Cardiff East Park and Ride, potentially taking the final decision out of the council's hands.
In January, Curtis Hall Ltd submitted plans to build a data centre on the site, which offers a free park and ride service to the University Hospital of Wales. The proposals have generated considerable controversy in the capital, with protests both inside and outside Cardiff’s county hall and local campaigns objecting to the plans.
Holding directive issued
In a letter, signed on the authority of the cabinet minister for local government, housing, and planning and seen by the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS), the planning directorate has issued a holding directive while “further consideration” is undertaken to decide if Welsh ministers decide the application.
The letter sent to the council reads: “This direction prevents your authority [Cardiff Council] only from granting planning permission; it does not prevent the authority from continuing to process or consult on the application. Neither does it prevent the authority from refusing planning permission.”
Campaign reaction
Cllr Joe Carter, who represents the Pentwyn ward where the data centre has been proposed, has fronted one campaign against the plans. He told the LDRS: “We are delighted that the minister has listened and decided to issue a holding directive for this application.
“Almost 3,000 people signed our petition calling for the minister to intervene and stop the demolition of a well-used hospital park and ride and the building of an energy-intensive data centre. As owners of this site we hope that Cardiff council now abandon these proposals. Thank you to everyone who has supported the campaign.”
Developer response
A spokesman for Curtis Hall told the LDRS: “We are aware of the Welsh Government directive issued to Cardiff council on August 24, 2026. Whilst Welsh Government considers whether to call in the application we will continue to work with the local planning authority to refine our plans and ensure any outstanding issues are addressed.
“Our planning application sets out how we have designed the scheme in line with planning policy, to minimise environmental impacts, whilst supporting south Wales’ economic and investment ambitions as an AI growth zone. The site ceased operating as a park and ride due to significant operating costs and underuse by visitors. Cardiff Council granted temporary use of the site to University Hospital of Wales for use as a car park in 2023 pending the site’s longer-term redevelopment.
“We understand that Cardiff council continues to support the hospital in securing a more sustainable alternative parking site. Our plans would improve sustainable transport for local communities living closest to the site through the provision of a new bridge and link road between Pentwyn and Llanrumney, connecting these communities and relieving the congestion on surrounding roads.”
