Residents of a new housing estate in Cardiff have said they would not have bought their homes if they had known about plans for a data centre on nearby land. Curtis Hall Ltd submitted plans to Cardiff Council in January to build a data centre on the site of the East Cardiff Park and Ride.
The proposal has drawn opposition from councillors, MSs, local residents and activists, with several campaigns launched to stop the development. The developer argues the scheme will bring investment and skilled jobs to the area and has denied claims of excessive noise and air pollution.
Residents speak out against the proposal
Nick Richards, 38, a leading voice against the data centre, said there was "no chance" he would have moved to Maple Fields if he had known about the plans. He described children playing in the street near his home and expressed concern about industrial-scale gas turbines on the site.
Richards said he handed out fliers to drivers to inform people about the proposal, which he felt the community had not been properly consulted about. Through his and others' efforts, he said an extra 1,000 objections were submitted. The application has attracted 1,588 objections and two letters of support at the time of writing.
Louise Mullins, 47, said she was told about a link road, rising house prices and a "lovely little community" but there was "no mention of a data centre whatsoever". She said she would have "stayed clear" if she had known, and expressed concerns about constant noise affecting her dog and the impact on house prices.
Environmental and community impact
Concerns raised by residents include the large amounts of water and electricity needed to power data centres, as well as potential environmental impacts. The developer is also seeking permission to build a gas power plant, which could be used for five years.
Harrison Wright, 23, who has lived at Maple Fields for three months, signed a petition against the plans due to concerns about pollution. He said the air pollution and noise would be "really bad" for families and young children in the area.
Mohamed Mydeen, 39, moved to the estate a year-and-a-half ago with the intention to "stay forever". He said the data centre would "spoil everything" and that the developer should "find somewhere else" where it would not affect the neighbourhood.
Planning process and developer response
The Welsh Government issued a holding directive for the application in September, meaning the council can only debate or refuse the plans while ministers decide whether they should be the ultimate decision-makers. A special planning committee has been called for November 12, 2026 to discuss the plans.
A spokesperson for Curtis Hall Ltd said the project would support the South Wales AI Growth Zone and deliver local investment, including a new road bridge for Llanrumney residents, construction and permanent skilled jobs, and substantial ongoing business rates income for the council.
A spokesperson for estate agents Allen & Harrison, who sold homes at Maple Fields, said all purchasers are advised to appoint their own independent legal representatives to undertake the conveyancing process, including relevant property searches.
