Plans - what plans?

Where are they?

Well, surprise, surprise... a flurry of articles suddenly being issued about Nocton Dairies, but still we have the vital ingredient missing... that of the revised plan itself.

It will be interesting to see exactly what these changes involve, especially if they are so radically different from the original. Only then will we see if public concerns have been fully addressed... and a proper analysis and debate can begin in earnest.

Nocton Dairies scales back ‘super dairy’ plans

'THE size of the planned Lincolnshire ‘super dairy’ has been cut back, as the farmers behind it seek to address public concerns over the project.'

http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/hot-topics/super-dairies/nocton-dairies-scales-back-‘super-dairy’-plans/35539.article

Nocton super dairy to be cut by half

'THE size of the planned Lincolnshire ‘super dairy’ has been cut in half, it is likely to be confirmed when the plans are resubmitted.'

http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/livestock/livestock-news/nocton-super-dairy-to-be-cut-by-half/35586.article

Protests force Nocton Dairies to cut back on cow numbers

'Nocton paid £166,465 in planning fees for the original proposal. It had hoped to resubmit without further cost. But the plans have changed so much that the council may treat them as a fresh application - and charge accordingly.'

http://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/12/124365/Protests-force-Nocton-Dairies-to-cut-back-on-cow-numbers.htm


The following article is worth reading, if only to see what an agribusiness consultant has to say on intensive food production for the masses.

Personally, I fail to see how there is merit in sacrificing many hectares of valuable agricultural land, solely to produce milk product via a single intensive dairy development.  If we are to become so short of food in the future, surely land is best used for the growing of many tonnes of produce, isn't it?

You will not be surprised to find there are many differing views to what David Alvis articulates.  It is therefore important to educate oneself by reading a wide range of articles/opinion/research on this matter, before coming to a conclusion on this issue.

As regards David's personal opinion of the Nocton Dairy development, strange that he fails to mention the poor selection of the site for this intensive dairy... right on top of a sensitive aquifer providing drinking water for local villages.

Furthermore, although David Alvis believes UK regulation is second to none, he doesn't make mention of why many of the changes are being demanded of Nocton Dairies.

Indeed, if everything was so tickety-boo the first time round, we wouldn't now be in a position of awaiting revised plans would we?

The extensive feedback offered by specialist consultees, such as Environment Agency and Local Environmental Health... and the many requirements imposed following an Environmental Impact Assessment Scoping Report... are really the main reasons why these new plans are necessary.  Don't be fooled otherwise.

Please be assured Mr Alvis, local residents facing this development are not being sidetracked by emotive arguments... we are laser-focused on the factual and practical issues of this development... and are waiting the revised plans with intense interest!

Why Nocton 'super-dairy' offers a sustainable model for food production

'With the second planning application for the controversial 'super dairy' at Nocton in Lincolnshire about to be submitted, agribusiness consultant David Alvis hits back at The Ecologist's recent coverage of the issue.'

http://www.theecologist.org/blogs_and_comments/commentators/other_comments/677727/response_why_nocton_superdairy_offers_a_sustainable_model_for_food_production.html

Farmers blockade Tesco depot in fresh protest

'TESCO was again the target of a Farmers for Action protest last night as farmers blockaded, without warning, a major distribution depot at Hinckley, Leicestershire at about 8pm.'

http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/business/business-news/farmers-blockade-tesco-depot-in-fresh-protest/35585.article

Sustainable Livestock Bill 2010-11

'A Bill to require the Secretary of State to improve the sustainability of the production, processing, marketing, manufacturing, distribution and consumption of products derived to any substantial extent from livestock; and for connected purposes.'

http://services.parliament.uk/bills/2010-11/sustainablelivestock.html

http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201011/cmbills/005/11005.i-i.html