POUR INFO

Welsh factory dairy farm plans approved

WSPA has condemned a decision by Welsh Government to approve plans to build a 1,000-cow factory dairy farm in a small village, despite significant public opposition.

In 2012, pressure from members of the public, including WSPA supporters, led to the Welsh Government examining plans to build a 1000-cow industrial dairy farm in the village of Leighton, initiating a Public Inquiry to look into the application due to the massive impact the decision could have on the future of dairy farming in Wales. 

WSPA gave evidence at the Inquiry, and has been fighting the plans alongside concerned local resident group Calfe as well as the National Trust and the Campaign to Protect Rural Wales.

The Welsh Government has now approved the plans. 

Simon Pope, WSPA UK Campaigns and Communications Director said: “WSPA is dismayed that expert planning advice has now been twice ignored, both at county and national level. The Planning Inspector recommended the application be rejected on the grounds that the economic benefits are not enough to outweigh the unacceptable harm to tourism, the environment and concerns raised by local residents about the impact on their quality of life and human health. However the Minister feels that the possibility of up to ten new jobs is of greater importance, despite a wealth of evidence to show that long term economic sustainability is harmed by the financial drain these types of intensive farms have on their surroundings."

Read the BBC online news story

A blow to British dairy cows

The importance of this decision should not be underestimated; it could potentially change Welsh farming and the countryside forever as others follow suit.

Simon added: “This is a dark day for Wales and for Welsh dairy farmers, who have protected this beautiful landscape for generations. The Inspector felt on balance that this application was contrary to the Welsh Assembly’s own policies on development. Having taken part in the Inquiry alongside concerned residents, we also feel there will be long term damage to hundreds of small, family-run dairy farms, the environment and animal welfare."

 

“The Welsh Government is proud of its commitment to promoting sustainable development, but allowing unsustainable factory dairy farms to be built in the Welsh countryside threatens to seriously undermine that commitment."

We need your help

This news is a significant blow to dairy cows but the fight is not over. WSPA will continue to send a clear message to decision makers: we want our cows to be kept on grass.

We are currently going through the Planning Inspector’s report in fine detail and will update you on our findings and next steps very soon.