Objectors protest against Microsoft's major Leeds data centre

More than 42,000 people have signed a petition objecting to a Microsoft data centre near Leeds.

Microsoft is continuing to face opposition to the scheme at the former Skelton Grange power station site in Stourton.

Supporters of the petition have raised concerns over the amount of water and energy it would use, though Microsoft has said it is committed to being "carbon negative [and] water positive" by 2030.

On Saturday around 250 people gathered for a protest against the development in Millennium Square in Leeds organised by action group No Leeds Data Centre.

Campaigner Kate Pearson told the Local Democracy Reporting Service : "I don't think we necessarily need such massive data centres that cause such environmental harm".

Campaign organiser Lianne Marie Mease said she was was worried about the impact on wildlife during building work at the disused power station site.

"This specific development here in Leeds, the size of it is far bigger than it needs to be," she said.

"The area that it's being built in was allowed to re-wild over 32 years, and clearing that site is going to impact species that are rare or at risk to Leeds."

Microsoft said the complex, given planning permission in April, would power digital services for communities, businesses and the public sector.

A spokesperson for the company said it was working "working closely" with local authorities through the planning process.

They added: "The proposed facility would be air cooled for more than 95% of the time, we match all our energy use with renewable energy in the UK, and Microsoft remains committed to our goals of becoming carbon negative, water positive and zero waste by 2030."

Leeds City Council previously said approval of the planning application was in line with national legislation and policies.

Microsoft's scheme includes three data centre buildings housing computer servers, along with a warehouse with up to 161,000 sq ft (15,000 sq m), of floorspace.

A public consultation was held on the development, which includes the installation of power connections, cooling chimneys and back-up generators.

Go-ahead for data centre on power station site

Microsoft to build on former power station site