A spokesman for Norwich Apex Ltd tried to reassure concerns over the impact the proposed site near Tesco in Ipswich Road would have on local water systems saying it would use an air cooling system similar to a car engine.

They say the facility will need water but usage "will be kept to a minimum" and no new water will be required.

Data centres typically require large amounts of water to keep them cool which sparked fears this could impact the nearby water and energy supplies.

Plans for a new data centre opposite Tesco Superstore are on the way (Image: Google Maps)

Campaigners against the proposed facility - which could be used to store AI servers - raised concerns that it could lead to water shortages and pollute the surrounding area.

They are also worried the run off from the site could contaminate nearby rivers.

A spokesman for Norwich Apex Ltd said: "The Norwich Apex Data Centre would use an air-cooling system that will operate in a similar way to a car engine, which means that water usage will be kept to a........

© Eastern Daily Press