Controversial Pembrokeshire dairy farm wins unanimous expansion approval from planners
A controversial planning application to increase the number of calf buildings at one of Pembrokeshire's largest dairy farms has been given the green light by county planners.
The application, submitted by Langdon Mill Farms Ltd in Jeffreyston, Kilgetty, initially prompted environmental concerns. Objectors claimed the size of the operation would result in smell and alleged river pollution issues as well as a potential impact on highway safety. Meanwhile former vet, Ian Dennis, described the operation as 'factory farming' and 'an intensive livestock unit'.
According to agent Reading Agricultural Consultant, Langdon Mill Farm currently has a milking herd of approximately 2,000 cows which are housed indoors for the majority of the year. 'Dry' cows that are not lactating prior to calving, as well as heifers, are allowed to graze outdoors when weather and soil conditions permit. Currently all calves are kept on the farm for two months before being taken to local third-party farms for rearing. They then return to Langdon Mill at a later stage.
However the new 61.2 metre -long calf building will now accommodate the young stock for two months, while the additional 164.8 metre weaned calf building will house the calves from two months to seven months.
Following a site meeting earlier this month, an officer report recommended conditional approval, stating the development would enable 'efficiencies in the preparation of an existing dairy farm business that will have associated environmental and animal welfare benefits."
Present at the site meeting was Cllr Brian Hall who said he was impressed by the condition of the cattle during his visit.
"They looked as if they had just come out of the barbers," he said. "On the basis of what I saw, I have no hesitation in moving approval of the site."
He was backed by Cllr Mark Carter, who stated that the closed unit would minimise the effect of TB.
"TB is an absolute scourge for agriculture and to me, this farm has got the right idea," he said.
The application was unanimously approved by committee members.
Controversial Pembrokeshire dairy farm wins unanimous expansion approval from planners
A controversial planning application to increase the number of calf buildings at one of Pembrokeshire's largest dairy farms has been given the green light by county planners.
The application, submitted by Langdon Mill Farms Ltd in Jeffreyston, Kilgetty, initially prompted environmental concerns. Objectors claimed the size of the operation would result in smell and alleged river pollution issues as well as a potential impact on highway safety. Meanwhile former vet, Ian Dennis, described the operation as 'factory farming' and 'an intensive livestock unit'.
According to agent Reading Agricultural Consultant, Langdon Mill Farm currently has a milking herd of approximately 2,000 cows which are housed indoors for the majority of the year. 'Dry' cows that are not lactating prior to calving, as well as heifers, are allowed to graze outdoors when weather and soil conditions permit. Currently all calves are kept on the farm for two months before being taken to local third-party farms for rearing. They then return to Langdon Mill at a later stage.
However the new 61.2 metre -long calf building will now accommodate the young stock for two months, while the additional 164.8 metre weaned calf building will house the calves from two months to seven months.
Following a site meeting earlier this month, an officer report recommended conditional approval, stating the development would enable 'efficiencies in the preparation of an existing dairy farm business that will have associated environmental and animal welfare benefits."
Present at the site meeting was Cllr Brian Hall who said he was impressed by the condition of the cattle during his visit.
"They looked as if they had just come out of the barbers," he said. "On the basis of what I saw, I have no hesitation in moving approval of the site."
He was backed by Cllr Mark Carter, who stated that the closed unit would minimise the effect of TB.
"TB is an absolute scourge for agriculture and to me, this farm has got the right idea," he said.
The application was unanimously approved by committee members.