Localism... not if Nocton Dairies have anything to do with it!
Nocton Dairies issues formal complaint over campaign claims
'NOCTON Dairies has issued a formal complaint over claims made by local campaigners opposing its plans for a 3,770-cow dairy unit on Nocton Heath, in Lincolnshire.'
http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/latest-news/nocton-dairies-issues-formal-complaint-over-campaign-claims/36378.article
So it has finally surfaced... with Nocton Dairies launching an attack on democratic debate and valid objections to their proposals... by accusing the local residents' campaign group (CAFFO) of scaremongering.
http://noctondairies.co.uk/news.html
Scaremongering... well you may like to make your own mind up on the issue. If the following reports are anything to go by, there is every reason to be concerned about these two applicants developing an intensive dairy development in the vicinity of our local villages.
CAFFO could perhaps be excused for not taking Messrs Barnes and Willes' word at face value, when you consider the experiences documented below:
Parkham Parish Council
You can read Parkham Parish Council's view of Mr Willes' business activities here if you've not already seen this:
http://nocton.blogspot.com/2010/12/nocton-dairies-threatens-action.html
Local residents in Devon
There are also personal accounts from local residents about Mr Willes' retrospective planning application for a slurry lagoon at Sedborough Farm.
1. I quote from Mr N Ley's letter dated 8th March 2010:
"There has been a massive increase in continental multiple-axled articulated lorries carrying animal feed, milk etc delivering as early as 6 am and as late as 11 pm. These vehicles have unrestricted movements and as such seriously damage the amenities of residents, restricting leisure pursuits."
2. A further email dated 11th March 2010 states:
"Slurry spreading all night long, relentless, unremitting, causing sleepless nights."
[Torridge District Council - 1/0130/2010/FULM]
3. And extracts from another letter on the same subject by John McKay, dated 10th May 2010:
"The unfortunate background is that this applicant is a nuisance, an encumbrance, and a pest and we are now at a crossroads... the contribution to the local economy must be balanced against the cost to everyone else, the vast majority, who live here. The activities of Parkham Farms causes a significant net loss to the community and it should not be allowed to expand without let or hindrance as it has been to date."
"There is a clear attempt to portray the operation at Sedborough as a normal farm with cows grazing contentedly in pastures rolling and green. In reality it is a large factory for the production of milk from which the cows are never let out."
"All of the surrounding fields are used to grow feed and are intensively managed, including the spraying of slurry, such that the river Yeo is now devoid of any aerobic life form."
"The applicant claims that odour is not an issue. It currently is. Depending on wind direction this can be quite suffocating and has caused general discomfort and nuisance."
John McKay letter dated 10th May 2010 [Torridge District Council - 1/0130/2010/FULM]
4. Additionally, it now transpires there have been issues at Mr Barnes' Withgill Farm too.
"The applicant already causes nuisance to nearby residents by not adhering to previously agreed restrictions relating to plant movement, noise and light."
[Ribble Valley Borough Council: 3/2008/1029]
"... we point out the massive intrusion that the farm complex makes in comparison to what was envisaged when development started."
"... planting regimes do not seem to have been successful."
"There is already a significant problem of waste disposal on surrounding fields and resulting odours blighting some nearby residential sites."
[Ribble Valley Borough Council: 3/2010/0747]
It is therefore very comforting to see that our local MP has supported his many constituents, who have made it known that they strongly object against the Nocton Dairies Ltd planning application: 10/1397/FUL.
If you have been following the saga of the Nocton Dairies Ltd planning application, you will no doubt be interested in seeing what Mr Stephen Phillips QC MP has had to say on the matter.
You can view a copy of his letter here: Stephen Phillips QC MP letter
Finally, I have just remembered I wrote a blog about 'Trust' a while ago... now where was it... oh yes here it is: http://nocton.blogspot.com/2010/11/trust.html
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Well, just look what you can do with £32 million and a PR consultant!
ReplyDeleteWhat a shame CAFFO don't have the same resources - perhaps then Messrs Barnes & Willes really would have reason to be scared, because we could bulldoze our way through with our ideas, just like they are doing at the moment.
If it wasn't so important, it would be highly amusing.
I must add that they didn't look too terrified at the recent Potterhanworth meeting.
Julie, Potterhanworth
Let he who has not sinned throw the first stone!
ReplyDeleteInteresting that on the Nocton Dairies "Guide to proposals" they give a lot of misleading information tailored to suit their needs and tick some planning boxes. I only hope that NKDC planners get the chance to review and properly scrutinse.
For example on page 2. Does "pupose built stores" mean slurry pits.
On page 4. Can you believe that odour stops at the B1188
On page 6. "This site will allow a new form of eco farming" Its an industrialised concentrated feeding operation! How can it be?
0n page 5. Traffic "1.28% increase" NO WAY!!!! Scrutiny of the plans details a much larger potential.
David Reay a proud resident of Lincolnshire.