In recent weeks, I have heard from a number of constituents with their views on both the relocation of the existing Park and Ride facility serving the University Hospital of Wales, located in Pentwyn, and planning proposals to build a data centre facility on the site once it ceases to operate in its current form.
Dealing firstly with the continued provision of a Park and Ride service, I can confirm that I have written directly to the Cardiff and Vale University Health Board (CAVUHB), requesting an update on their progress in sourcing an alternative site, and asking what steps are being taken to guarantee that a replacement facility will be open and fully operational before the current facility closes.
I have also written to the Leader of Cardiff Council to ask what support the council is providing to Cardiff and Vale University Health Board for them to identify and deliver a suitable replacement Park and Ride facility.
Many of those constituents who have written to me are NHS Wales staff who rely on this service to travel to and from work and are naturally concerned about the prospect of the current facility closing before any alternative arrangements are put in place. I have made it clear to CAVUHB that any gap in provision of this service is unacceptable, and I will keep pressing both CAVUHB and Cardiff Council on this until I have a clear timetable for the delivery of its new site.
Turning now to the proposal to build a data centre at the current Park and Ride site, I should first explain that the decision on whether to grant the planning application lies with Cardiff Council as the local planning authority, or indeed the Welsh Government, should it make the decision to “call in” the application. Any decision to call in the application, and the decision on whether or not to grant or refuse the planning application is not a decision for me.
Currently, Welsh Government Ministers are considering whether the planning application should be called in. The effect of this step is that currently, Cardiff Council cannot make a decision to grant planning permission. Cardiff Council can continue to process and consult on the planning application whilst Welsh Government is taking the time to decide whether to call in the planning application.
Whilst I acknowledge the strength of feeling on this specific application, I understand the case for data centres of this type reflects the evidenced demand for digital infrastructure to support the UK’s growing technology sector and meet the UK Government’s forecasted demand of at least 6GW of AI-capable data centres by 2030.
Data Centres such as the one proposed here also have the potential to provide significant economic value, both nationally and locally, through the creation of jobs both in the construction and operational phases of the project and wider supply chains.
There is also the fact that this particular data centre development, if granted planning permission, would contribute to part of the funding needed for the third exit from Llanrumney onto the A48, a local transport project that has been a longstanding and desperately needed improvement for many residents and businesses.
My current view on the proposal as it currently stands, is one of conditional support. Whilst I support the premise of this investment and proposed development, that support is subject to receiving assurances that, by design, the data centre in question does not compromise the resilience of local water supplies and, as demonstrated in the impact assessments carried out to date, minimises ecological and noise impact, both in the development and operational phases of the project.
I am also firmly of the view that, if permission is granted, this development must not be given preferential treatment in securing an electricity grid connection over critical pre-existing applications by local industry and investors that will also create good and much needed jobs for my constituents in Cardiff East.
I am also very clear that my conditional support for this development is wholly contingent on the delivery of a suitable replacement Park and Ride facility and ensuring continuity of service for NHS staff and patients who rely on this service to access the University Hospital of Wales.
It is for Cardiff Council Planning Committee to reach a legal determination based on the available evidence, including representations made by members of the public. Or, if the Welsh Government makes a decision to call in the planning application, for its relevant Minister to decide whether to grant planning permission.
I recognise that constituents on all sides of this debate want clarity on both matters, and I will remain closely engaged with the relevant stakeholders and update constituents as additional information becomes available.