"We did it!"

Badger campaign should be warning to all

"We did it!" is the cry of a new generation of campaigners claiming credit for, among other things, stopping 'mega-dairies'..."

http://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/05/128239/Badger-campaign-should-be-warning-to-all.htm

Maybe we did, maybe we didn't... but what I do know is that local residents had an influence on the outcome. The real success of the local campaign group (CAFFO) was in being able to lobby support from a wide-range of people and organisations, many with specialist knowledge and featuring UK-wide.

Reading between the lines of this article, I sense this says more about how Amy is feeling about her involvement with Nocton. Could it be that she is smarting a little over the failure of her PR expertise to result in a successful outcome for Nocton Dairies when faced with a campaign of national proportions?

Perhaps the application was withdrawn 'on technicalities'... one of which may have been to avoid prejudicing any possible future re-application... or perhaps it was just about avoiding the embarrassment of a formal refusal in the circumstances?

What we do know is that there were very good environmental reasons as to why this development would never have been granted permission in the sensitive location on Nocton Heath.

Financial Crisis Leading Farmers To Build 'Mega Dairies'


'A move towards milking cows in intensive American style 'mega dairies' would be bad for farmers' incomes as well damaging for the welfare of cattle, animal rights campaigners have warned.'

http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2011/09/08/milk_n_953723.html

We Have to Support Dairy Farmers at Every Opportunity

'There is a well documented crisis affecting British farming - not as a result of evolutionary market forces, but of bad politics.'

http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/zac-goldsmith/we-have-to-support_b_954194.html
__________________________________________________________

Invite to 'informal' meeting

Nocton Dairies Ltd

I refer back to Nocton Dairies' recent invite to an 'informal' meeting mentioned in my last blog entry of 18th March. Over the weekend, a number of you have phoned asking for more information about this. I have therefore decided to include a little more of the correspondence for perusal.

The Nocton Dairies' email originated on 16th March and included the following phrase:

"We thought it best to keep it informal and ‘round the table’ rather than an open meeting as this is more of an update than anything else, and we really would like to move on from talking about the application and what has gone before and use this as a chance to be constructive about discussing the future."

It went on to say:

"In the interests of keeping this small, workable and avoiding media/speculation, I would appreciate it if this email and the exact time/date of the meeting aren’t republished or promoted, but if you feel it’s helpful please do let people know an offer has been extended to meet soon in case there are any questions that individuals would like raised on their behalf."

After much thought, I responded on 17th March:

"I have now had the opportunity to think through the content of your earlier email.

I see your correspondence was directed at very specific people – indeed I recognise many of the email addresses, but not all. One of the major flaws surrounding NDs original application for Nocton Heath was its poor communication strategy for connecting with the local communities. I feel there is a danger of heading down the same route with your pre-determined selection of invitees.

As such, I would make the following observations:

• It is important for the local community to hear about your client’s early thinking following their ‘Watch this space’ comment.
• However, this is no time to be rushing headlong into an impromptu dialogue - as there are no longer any planning applications in place forcing the issue.
• If your clients really want to try and rebuild trust from within the local community, it is imperative to get this particular consultation right, first time.
• It is not really helpful creating a pre-determined group of individuals for consultation, some of whom may not be able to speak on behalf of the communities concerned.
• As such, the invite should be restricted to the local Parish Councils, as only they can provide the proper democratic forum connecting the local populous to your clients.
• Any meeting should be organised along business lines with a proper Agenda and full Minutes - which are then agreed and made available to the public domain with no ‘Commercial in Confidence’ restrictions/omissions.
• An informal group is inappropriate for this type of consultation process in my opinion.
• A totally independent Chair should be selected and agreed upon by all representative parties – as this is a totally new consultation group unconnected with the former Liaison Committee.
• There has to be total openness and honesty about what your clients are considering, regarding both development and the future potential sites – only then can full and frank feedback be offered to your clients based on local knowledge.
• There should be no ‘tactical play’ by any of the participating parties - the discussion and debate should surround factual information – not what might be or could be.

Hope this helps."

I received this reply from Nocton Dairies'public relations representative on 18th March:

"Thanks for your feedback – much appreciated.

However I think there is a misunderstanding. This is an informal update not the start of a consultation, otherwise I would completely buy into the points you have made. We’ve asked those who have expressed an interest in communicating previously, plus contacts within the parish councils. We are really keen not to build this into any more than it is – a chance to have a chat and provide as much information as is known at the moment.

Hope you can make it."

I do not really know why I was included on the circulation list by Nocton Dairies' public relations representative. As you can see from my response, I believe it is proper for our local Parish Councils to pursue... and as such I will not be attending the meeting.

If you have any questions for Nocton Dairies, please contact your local Councillors as soon as possible.

Grade two listed primary school awaits decision on extension plan

'Head teacher Nick Dowler is applying for listed building consent for an extension to the Grade two listed Nocton Community School in a bid to increase class space.'

http://www.thisislincolnshire.co.uk/news/School-awaits-news-building-review/article-3351330-detail/article.html

Britons unwittingly eating food made using GM soy

'Millions of Britons are unwittingly eating food made using genetically modified soy, a survey of the leading grocery brands has disclosed.'

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/agriculture/food/8393871/Britons-unwittingly-eating-food-made-using-GM-soy.html

Seventh Tesco store is yet another kick in local teeth

'We already have so many stores in the area, do we really need any more?'

http://www.thisislincolnshire.co.uk/letters/Seventh-Tesco-store-kick-local-teeth/article-3348692-detail/article.html

Local Produce

Time to take our custom elsewhere methinks... and support local producers.

http://www.visitlincolnshire.com/site/shopping/local-produce#ProductList-/site/shopping/local-produce
_______________________________________________________

Update on various issues

Nocton Dairies extend offer to update local community

At the time of withdrawing the planning application, Nocton Dairies were not in a position to confirm what their future plans for the Nocton Estate would be. Furthermore, North Kesteven District Council have since refused the planning applications for a reservoir and pipeline.

I believe Nocton Dairies have had a follow-up meeting with the Environment Agency... and are now in a position to meet with selected individuals from the local community "to chat through where things stand and what the current thinking is about the future".

Nocton Dairies have acknowledged there is still some concern locally and hope talking this through will "resolve some of the uncertainty and leave everyone feeling more confident".

If this meeting does go ahead I will endeavour to update my blog accordingly, although I'm sure Nocton Dairies will want to update their website with their "current thinking" for wider publication.

Barnstaple Magistrates Court

It seems Peter Willes, director of Nocton Dairies, is still scheduled to appear before Barnstaple Magistrates Court on 12 April - watch this space for an update.

The original article is here: http://nocton.blogspot.com/2011/03/democracy-in-action.html .

Torridge District Council

I can also report that Torridge District Council are still considering Mr Willes' retrospective planning application for a slurry lagoon and channel (TDC planning ref: 1/1110/2010/FULM).

The local planning authority is "seeking clarification on a number of matters from the applicant's agent and this may require additional information being submitted which will require further consideration".

No date for the planning hearing is yet scheduled, despite the eight-week period expiring on 21st March.

North-west dairy includes bottling plant

'Park Farm at Preesall in Lancashire offers a complete modern dairy complex with cubicle housing for 480 cows, 200 youngstock and its own bottling plant.'

http://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/17/125979/North-west-dairy-includes-bottling-plant.htm

Becoming a District Councillor

The Nocton Dairies saga has amply demonstrated just how important it is to have local representation at District Council level. If you are interested in becoming one of those representatives, this is now your opportunity to stand for election.

•  Would you like to become more involved in your community?
• Are you interested in influencing how local services are delivered?

For more information, click here:

http://www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/section.asp?docId=8296

How do I get nominated to become an elected councillor?

http://www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/section.asp?docid=561&ovt=1

_______________________________________________________

Localism in action

Super learnings over super dairy

These are the latest musings from Amy Jackson of Oxtale Public Relations who acted for Nocton Dairies Ltd.  It has been well catalogued throughout our campaign why Nocton Dairies had difficulties getting permission for an intensive dairy on Nocton Heath.  Despite all the effort and investment, they were unable to convince the Environment Agency and other specialist consultees of the merits of their development, so it all came to nowt.

I believe Messrs Barnes and Willes will still want to develop their 'super dairy' somewhere in the Nocton area... and it is important to remember their second choice was Nocton Fen.  Mr Willes has already given occasional indicators of interest in the Fen, but this land will also have unique challenges, not least it being in a flood area.  If Nocton Dairies can convince the specialist consultees that their next choice of site is the best available, perhaps they will encounter an easier ride next time around.  Watch this space.

http://oxtale.wordpress.com/2011/02/24/super-learnings-over-super-dairy/

Insufficient Fee

I received a reminder about changes to the original Nocton Dairy application, however when I tried to access the plans online these were unaccessible and had the following entry.

"Erection of dairy unit incorporating 8 no cattle accommodation buildings, 2 no maternity/hospital buildings, 2 no milking parlours, holding areas, feed store and associated hard standing, runoff lagoon, anaerobic digestion unit, staff dormitory building, - North Of Dunston Heath Lane And West Of B1188 Noct

Ref. No: 09/1040/FUL
Status: Insufficient Fee"

Most odd.

Update 9th March 2011
I received a notification from NKDC today that this application had been updated... and it now displays once again, with a status of 'Withdrawn'.

A new era of local transparency

You may/may not be interested in the latest missive from Eric Pickles. Like it or not this will be having an impact on how our local community is managed in future.

Transparency

The Localism Bill will 'shift power from central government back into the hands of individuals, communities and councils', so it will become more and more important to have a fully functioning Parish Council.  Let's hope our Councillors stand for re-election in May, as it is becoming more difficult getting volunteers to act in unpaid positions for the betterment of society I feel.

http://www.communities.gov.uk/localgovernment/decentralisation/localismbill/

Nocton Parish Council

I attended our local Parish Council meeting last night and was encouraged by the business to hand. A new energy is clearly apparent.  You may be interested in the following site:

http://www.clerksandcouncilsdirect.co.uk/

Dog Warden

I have been asked to post the following notice for information.

'When in a public area you are required by law to clean up after your dog.  I am the Parish Dog warden and I am patrolling the village day and night, seven days a week and am issuing fixed penalty notices to the value of £50 to people who do not clean up after their dogs and placing bags in the appropriate dog waste bins or taking them home and placing in the black wheeled bin. Maximum penalty £1,000.

If you witness anyone allowing their dog to foul and not cleaning it up, please contact: Parish Council Dog Warden - Tel: 01526 322220 or North Kesteven District Council - Tel: 01529 414155.'

Erection of detached house and integral garage

You may be interested in planning permission which is being sought to build on a plot of land in the heart of the village near The Green.  The relevant planning application is: 11/0176/FUL.

The Consultation Expiry Date is: 18 Mar 2011.
_______________________________________________________

Nocton breathes sigh of relief

Campaign banners are down. Stickers are being removed from cars. For the time-being Nocton can breathe a sigh of relief, for the planned mega-dairy on Nocton Heath is no more. But whilst the local village returns to a semblance of normality and rural tranquility, this is no time to be complacent.

In what I thought was a vitriolic Press Release, Nocton Dairies indicated there may well be other plans in the pipeline (forgive the pun). 'Watch this space' was the concluding remark. This has left campaigners and Parish Councillors with a 'watching brief' for what might come next.

Stopping the 'super dairy' – the inside story

'Originally, the Nocton proposal had been submitted with little regard to public relations. The farmers behind the plan had been reluctant to speak to the media, fuelling suggestions that they had something to hide.'

http://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/24/125674/Stopping-the-39super-dairy39-the-inside-story.htm

Advertising Standards Authority

I understand the complaint brought by Nocton Dairies Ltd against the CAFFO campaign leaflet has now been 'Informally Resolved'. No further action is to be taken by the ASA.

This outcome will be recorded on the ASA website 'under the section for advertisers who have closed cases informally directly with us'. No report will be published.

http://www.asa.org.uk/

MP calls for action against mega dairy plans

'STOURBRIDGE MP Margot James is calling for action to help prevent mega dairies taking off in Britain.'

http://www.stourbridgenews.co.uk/news/local/8866051.MP_calls_for_action_against_mega_dairy_plans/

Regulatory action called for on EU milk crisis

'MILK producers’ lack of bargaining power is ‘a real European problem that will require a real European solution’.'

http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/business/regulatory-action-called-for-on-eu-milk-crisis/37406.article

First Government anaerobic digestion facility open

'Staples Vegetables in Boston, Lincolnshire, one of the biggest producers of vegetables in the UK, is the first of the anaerobic digestion projects funded through the Government’s Environmental Transformation Fund to be officially opened in 2011.'
 
http://www.farminguk.com/news/First-Government-anaerobic-digestion-facility-open_19952.html
_______________________________________________________

Slip sliding away

T minus 29

Yet another desperate attempt by Nocton Dairies Ltd to gain the sympathy vote... I think if I were their public relations representative, I would be advising Messrs Willes and Barnes to keep a low profile until the planning report was issued.

Farmer admits to mistakes in handling of super-dairy plan but still believes it's right

'Peter Willes, a Devon farmer and one of the directors of Nocton Dairies Ltd, has admitted making some mistakes in the way the project has been handled.'

http://www.thisislincolnshire.co.uk/news/Super-dairy-just-different/article-3189428-detail/article.html

The major consultees have all submitted relevant and important information for consideration based on their specialist knowledge. Yet Nocton Dairies Ltd still appear to be in denial, continuing to purport the benefits of their proposals without acknowledging the many problems that might be encountered and the legacy they might leave for our local environment and populous.

With the many varied risks to our fragile environment from this agri-industrial development, is it any wonder the specialist consultees are objecting in force to the plans?

Anglian Water, Environment Agency, Environmental Services, Health Protection Agency, Lincolnshire Primary Care Trust, Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust and Soil Association have all registered their concerns, amongst others.

Why is it that Nocton Dairies Ltd seem to think they know better than the specialists?

I have selected just a couple of paragraphs from one of the many extensive submissions to give you an idea of some of the complexities facing our local area from this development:

The Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust

'We have serious concerns regarding the possible impacts from ammonia emissions not only on existing LWSs (Local Wildlife Sites) but also on other sites, particularly calcareous grassland roadside verges, which may be identified as being of LWS quality following the review of survey data from botanical surveys of roadside verges carried out in the area last summer as part of the Life on the Verge project http://www.lifeontheverge.org.uk/. Calcareous grassland is a habitat which is sensitive to increased nutrient levels and therefore high ammonia deposition will lead to deterioration in the quality of calcareous grassland sites in the area.'

'The development site and surrounding farmland is located in a priority area for calcareous grassland re-creation. It is estimated that there is less than 100 hectares of this habitat remaining in Lincolnshire. Calcareous grassland is a UK and Lincolnshire Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) priority habitat.'

'The Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust has serious concerns regarding this application and wishes to register an objection to the proposed development based on the submitted information.'

Wildlife-packed habitats discovered on verges of Lincolnshire roads

'After two years, in which 135 volunteers have spent 1,500 hours surveying more than 2,000 km of roadside for the Life on the Verge project, the findings have been revealed – with huge swathes of North Kesteven home to 12 or more "valuable" species.'

http://www.thisislincolnshire.co.uk/environment/s-just-potholes-growing-roads/article-3189389-detail/article.html

To conclude, I can do no better than to quote from one of the many passionate individual objections submitted to North Kesteven District Council. This eloquent plea sums up why I have felt it necessary to fight these plans from the outset:

'... the future welfare of this wonderful south Lincoln Heath, the middle Barff’s and to a lesser degree the Fens, are in your hands...'

'... generation after generation of land owners have held this jewel in their hands and successfully passed it down to their forbears, since the advent of The Planning Act of 1948 that responsibility lies with you...'

'... should this development gain approval and subsequently contaminate the environment and I am sure it will... I am afraid the people affected will in part hold the District Council and their representatives responsible.'
_______________________________________________________

Potterhanworth Parish Council

Nocton Dairy Presentation - 16th December 2010

This meeting was arranged by Potterhanworth Parish Council in the Memorial Hall, primarily for their local residents, but some people from Nocton and Wasp's Nest also attended but were few in number.

The Nocton Dairy plans were laid out in an ante-room with display boards in the main hall. People were generally milling around studying the various publications when I arrived.

Peter Willes (Director), David Barnes (Director) and Amy Jackson (Public Relations Representative) were present, along with members of Potterhanworth Parish Council.

Philip Stephenson (Chairman) was to chair the meeting, with Bob Spence (Clerk) taking Minutes.

The meeting was called to order at 7.30 pm, by which time most people were in their seats having been there since 6.30 pm to view the plans.  Quite a few people were standing as the Hall was full.

Philip Stephenson gave an outline of the proceedings, explaining that the meeting was for the residents of Potterhanworth and Potterhanworth Booths. Priority would be give to those residents, others would get an opportunity to ask questions at the end if there was time.

Peter Willes was then welcomed and invited to proceed with the Nocton Dairy presentation. This was followed by a passionate presentation from Martin Parry, that went down very well with local residents.

I will not attempt to provide you with a record of the meeting as I trust the Minutes will be published out to the public domain, most probably on the Potterhanworth Parish Council website:

http://parishes.lincolnshire.gov.uk/Potterhanworth/  

I can report the meeting was conducted very professionally by all parties, particularly in light of the high emotions and concerns over the development. There were many varied questions from the public, covering the following topics:

• Funding - private investment 'v' EU and UK grants.
• Infections in the herd and contingency plans.
• Welfare of animals- milking regime.
• Pests - rats and flies.
• Traffic impact.
• Environmental - water abstraction and threat to aquifer
• Contracts - fodder; milk.
• Sustainability of the development - who will bear the fall out if this 'experiment' goes wrong.

Some interesting details that were mentioned during Nocton Dairies' presentation:

• Nocton Dairies has clearance for funding of £55 million from the bank.
• Between £1 - £1.5 million may come from renewable energy and recycling grants.
• Aim is still to increase herd from 3,770 to 8,000 cows.
• Anaerobic Digester has separate tanks and dual pumps so if one part fails it can still function.
• Withgill Farm - an expansion for a further 600 cows just been granted planning permission recently.

You may want to look out for the full Minutes in due course - hopefully to be published on the Potterhanworth Parish Council website.

Update 21st December 2010

Minutes now published here:

http://parishes.lincolnshire.gov.uk/Files/Parish/467/MinutesPublicMeetingNoctonDairiesDec2010.doc

Nocton Parish Council

Metheringham and Potterhanworth have now held their public meetings and I know Dunston are in the final stages of arranging their own public meeting.

All have managed to do this before the expiry of the consultation period on 11th January 2011, despite the festive period fast arriving.

So what about our own Nocton Parish Council public meeting you might rightly ask?

Well I raised this very question with some of our local Councillors only yesterday and can report the following:

• Parish Councillors viewed the plans at North Kesteven District Council offices in Sleaford on Tuesday 14th December.
• Unfortunately, neither the Chairperson (Councillor Elaine Storr) and Vice-Chairperson (Councillor Deborah Wilson) are available before the 11th January 2011 for a meeting to be arranged.
• The Clerk to the Parish Council (Doreen Green) is not available either for a couple of weeks.
• The Parish Councillors have provisionally agreed to meet to discuss the plans on 23rd December and to prepare a draft response before the holiday period starts.
• Therefore, there is a only a provisional agreement to hold a public meeting on 19th January 2011 - which you will note is after the closing date for consultation on the plans (11th January 2011).

As a result, the Parish Council have spoken with Philip Rowson (NKDC Chief Planner) to obtain agreement that there will no problem in Nocton Parish Council sending its final response after the deadline of 11th January 2011 (having taken account of the views of residents at the public meeting if it even goes ahead).

Considering our Parish Council have known about this planning application for quite some time now, I can't understand why this delay has occurred, especially as other Parish Councils have been able to organise their proceedings.

This is probably the most important single issue that has faced our community in many years, and one really has to ask how this situation has been allowed to arise - it is most disappointing.

Nocton Dairies decision expected in March

'A DECISION on Nocton Dairies’ plans for a 3,770-cow unit in Lincolnshire is expected in March, after the planning application was finally validated at the end of last week.'

http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/hot-topics/super-dairies/nocton-dairies-decision-expected-in-march/36192.article

My view is don't hold your breath for March - I believe the Nocton Dairies' saga may yet continue much beyond that.  This planning application has been and continues to be so contentious... I wouldn't be surprised if it gets 'called-in' by Secretary of State.

North Kesteven District Council will probably have to be given the opportunity to consider the application first though, taking account of all consultee responses and drafting the planning report for Committee deliberation.

Update from Amy Jackson

Email received

The following email was forwarded to me by a local resident for wider publication:

"From: Amy Jackson

Subject: Update on Nocton Dairies' planning application Fri 3 December
To: amy@oxtale.co.uk
Date: Friday, 3 December, 2010, 13:58

To: attendees at last liaison group meeting/parish council chairs/clerks

Please find an update on our Nocton Dairies planning application and communications activities:

• Metheringham Parish Council are holding a closed meeting for the village on 8 December, at which we have been asked to supply some display boards, make a short presentation and take part in a Q&A session. Sharon Wetherall, Metheringham Parish Council clerk, is the contact for this meeting.
• Potterhanworth Parish Council are holding a similar session on 16 December; whilst this is not a closed meeting, we understand that seats are firmly prioritised for Potterhanworth residents. Philip Stephenson, chair of Potterhanworth Parish Council, is the contact for this meeting.
• We are receiving feedback on a daily basis from North Kesteven Parish Council as they work their way through the application, and are responding as these queries come through. We don’t yet know when the application will be validated because, as the council has pointed out, it’s a very big application.
• However, NKDC have stressed that there is no reason to hold off having these meetings until the validated application is sent through to each parish council. In fact, as they have confirmed it’s likely the initial feedback period won’t be extended beyond 28 days (although the total consultation period will still be 14-16 weeks), they say having the meetings before or at the beginning of the consultation period will allow parish councils and residents a bit more time. NKDC will be holding their own meetings as well once the application is validated.
• The website http://www.noctondairies.co.uk/ has had around 2000 visits since the new information was posted two weeks ago so hopefully people are finding it of use, but if there are any omissions please let us know so we can update; a factsheet can be downloaded from the site or if required can be sent out to anyone needing one if they get in touch.

Let me know if there are any other queries or if you feel it would be helpful to meet in any capacity. We will let you know straight away if we hear any news about validation.

Kind regards
Amy, for Nocton Dairies Ltd"


I would be interested in asking the following questions:

Q1: Why are North Kesteven District Council in the position of having to request further documentation and details regarding the planning application in order to consider validation?

Q2: Why was all the documentation regarding the planning application not published on the Nocton Dairies website e.g. a quick cross-check with Drawing Issue Sheet 1 show RAC 4448/09 - New lagoon site plan and sections and RAC 4448/33 - Tree protection missing?

Q3: What other documentation and detail has not been published by Nocton Dairies into the public domain that North Kesteven District Council have since requested?

Q4: When are the planning applications for the reservoir and digestate pipeline going to be submitted to North Kesteven District Council?

Q5: What else are the public not being told about this planning application?


These are just a few questions about process without giving the matter much thought - there are clearly many more that still need to be answered.  However these will have to be reserved for the proper consultee period and submission of objections/observations, so that they can be considered for the Planning Report.

Finally, as yet there is no meeting arranged for Nocton, so residents in this village do not have an opportunity to seek more information from the developers in a face-to-face environment.  Perhaps the local Parish Council are waiting to see if the application is validated first before making a booking?  The next Parish Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday 7th December at 7.00pm in the Village Hall, so I shall ask what arrangements are being made and report back here.

Dairy Fairy

An interesting blog entry you may like to view.

http://www.fwi.co.uk/blogs/lincolnshire-farming-blog/2010/11/dairy.html

Announcement

Liaison Group

This email has been forwarded to me by a recipient of the Liaison Group and I publish it in full here:

EMAIL START
From: Amy Jackson
Subject: resubmission of Nocton Dairies plans
To: amy@oxtale.co.uk
Cc: "'Robert Howard'" , "DAVID BARNES" , "Peter Willes"
Date: Tuesday, 16 November, 2010, 19:01

Dear all (last attendees at the liaison group/parish council chairs/parish council clerks)

We are finally in a position to resubmit the planning application by the end of this week and wanted to let you know that in advance of some media briefings we are holding tomorrow.

We hesitated to tell you earlier than this because we still didn’t know the plans would be ready and so we were poised to cancel the briefings if necessary. However the plan will be ready and we wanted to let you know as soon as possible. The media will be told tomorrow that the plans will be resubmitted by the end of the week.

We have heard over the past few weeks that there has been concern we were going to try and sneak this application in just before Christmas so no one can spend time looking at it. Nothing is further from the truth and as a result we are going to do our best to communicate as widely as possible to raise awareness of the application going in. Because we have been plagued with interest from the national media for weeks (due to some very effective campaigning!) we are dealing with them first to get them out the way then are coming up to Lincolnshire to spend lunch/afternoon talking to the local media to make sure they are clear where things stand and can communicate onwards.

We are keen that the plans are visible as soon as possible and so will be posting them on our own website www.noctondairies.co.uk shortly (hopefully the website will withstand the demand!). Please be aware that while these plans will be visible, they won’t yet have been validated by the council although we do know the new reference will be 10/0831/FUL when they are.

We have just finalised the factsheet and have arranged to have it printed and delivered to residences in Nocton, Dunston, Branston, Potterhanworth and Scopwick later this week, and to Metheringham in a single batch for onward distribution by the parish council.

We have also written to your respective parish council clerks tonight to formally request a meeting so we can find out what you think the open meeting/exhibition requirements might be for each village.

We apologise for the time taken to get to this point. We would have dearly liked to have had the application in earlier but it was important to get it right.

Please don’t hesitate to get back in touch if there are any queries; otherwise we hope all your most immediate questions will be answered by the factsheet and website which will be delivered/operational later in the week. We look forward to hearing from your parish councils shortly.

Kind regards
Amy

T: 01993 880360
M: 07917 773756
EMAIL END

Plans - maybe, maybe not.

What is the environmental footprint of super-sized dairy farming?

'Plans for US-style mega dairy farms in the UK are being heralded for their potential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, but scaling up may create as many problems as it attempts to solve.'

http://www.theecologist.org/News/news_analysis/680970/what_is_the_environmental_footprint_of_supersized_dairy_farming.html

This article is very timely, being published just before Nocton Dairies appear to be launching their own publicity campaign, in advance of revised plans being resubmitted.

Plans... will they really be submitted this week?

There are strong rumours indicating that Nocton Dairies are about to do a press/publicity launch of their revised dairy proposal tomorrow at 9.00am in London - but we've no idea why London and not here in Nocton.

If this is true, it certainly indicates a lack of empathy with local residents, who have expressed many concerns over this development... and somewhat denigrates the assertion by Nocton Dairies that they wish to liaise with local people.

A telephone call was made to NKDC Planning today and Mr Nick Feltham says that the application has definitely not yet been submitted... nor are they aware of the press launch and still have no idea when the plans are going to be submitted!

Finally, if there is substance in this rumour, I believe it demonstrates just how little importance is given to the Liaison Group that was formed by Nocton Dairies and Amy Jackson not so long ago.  No doubt all will become clear by the end of the week... but then again... where have we heard that before?

Nocton Dairies Ltd - report of meeting

Report from Nocton Dairies Liaison Meeting - 23rd September

Well... it seems that's it folks. No more Liaison Group meetings until after the plans have been resubmitted to NKDC by Nocton Dairies.

The draft FactSheet prepared by Nocton Dairies Ltd was not approved by the village attendees... as it was not felt to be their responsibility. As such therefore, it remains an item of 'sales literature' for the proposed dairy, ready to be issued out to residents.

Nocton Dairies were disappointed about there being no Parish Council representation from Dunston and Nocton, but fully intend trying to open communication links with them in future. So it seems not only have Branston declined to get involved with Nocton Dairies, Scopwick Parish Council have not responded, Dunston and Nocton Parish Councils have not bought in to the process either. This just leaves Metheringham and Potterhanworth Parish Councils liaising with Nocton Dairies.

Metheringham Parish Council appear to have indicated they would like to issue the Nocton Dairies FactSheet to their local residents, whereas all other Parish Councils have refused to distribute this literature.

I understand Nocton Dairies intend to hold a 'roadshow' to reach out to residents, but no particular format for this was agreed at the meeting.

So watch out for this FactSheet dropping through your door!

The Big Society is coming to you...

In David Cameron's speech on 10th November 2009, he outlined his thoughts on the size, scope and role of Government.  If you are interested, the weblink below will take you to it, but there are a couple of extracts I'd like to share with you:

"The first step is to redistribute power and control from the central state and its agencies to individuals and local communities.  That way, we can create the opportunity for people to take responsibility. This is absolutely in line with the spirit of the age - the post-bureaucratic age."

Later he goes on to say:

"The second group of people we need to engage in our social action strategy are those I would describe as community activists.

Unlike social entrepreneurs, they do not play a formal role in their communities, they don't have the time or inclination to run a social programme with all the responsibility that involves, but they do want to help. 

Running parents groups, organising beat meetings with the police, getting people together in a front room to discuss ways to improve the neighbourhood.  All this goes on today, but not enough. We need more community activism, and more community activists."

http://www.conservatives.com/News/Speeches/2009/11/David_Cameron_The_Big_Society.aspx

So whether we like it or not... this is the future as the Government sees it, until it is replaced by some other ideology... and already there is a Big Society Network in action, see here:

http://www.thebigsociety.co.uk/idea.html

Will this bring in a new era of people who get involved in trying to improve their local community, or will they continue to expect the State or others to do this for them?  People are always bleating on about their 'Rights' nowadays, but often overlook the 'Responsibilities' that go hand-in-hand with them.

We have seen when communities are faced with possible life-changing issues, that may affect their very value/style of life, that people will rise up and be counted.  Perhaps this is what is happening with the Nocton Dairies application for an intensive dairy on our doorstep?

I like a little phrase that was once quoted to me:

'If you continue to do what you've always done, you'll get what you've always got'.  Mmmm.

New right of appeal would give teeth to planning challenges

A public right of appeal in planning would end the costly judicial review process and ensure the delivery of good development.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/cif-green/2010/aug/19/planning-right-of-appeal-cpre

Nocton Dairies Ltd - liaison meeting

Nocton Dairies Liaison Group

Nocton Dairies Ltd have now issued a draft copy of their fact sheet 'A Guide to the Proposals', to members of the Liaison Group, ready for debate and discussion at this evenings meeting.

As the Liaison Group has had little or no time to check out the validity of the information in this dossier, I find it hard to understand how the group will come to some concensus of agreement on the content.  I assume therefore this will purely be a 'sales pitch' of facts about the Nocton Dairy proposals, without any contra arguments as to the suitability of such a venture or accuracy of data about the intended site.

I am also given to understand that a number of the original participants of this Liaison Group (and remember they have only met once), have already decided there is little merit in continuing with this forum.  This doesn't give me much confidence I'm afraid.

As reported on this blog previously, Branston and Nocton Parish Councils have decided not to have anything to do with the Group until after the planning re-application... this leaves just Dunston, Potterhanworth and Metheringham Parish Councils being represented.  If their role is to try and agree this 'A Guide to Proposals' with Nocton Dairies Ltd, I just wonder how they will be able to do this, not being privy to inside knowledge on the preparations and the technical information behind the plans.

It seems Metheringham Parish Council are already intending for this Liaison Group to be discussed at their next meeting.  I have received a message from a Metheringham campaigner as follows:

"I have been informed by the Metheringham Parish Clerk that there will be an item on the agenda re Nocton Daries (sic):
9c To receive a report from members on Nocton Daries Liason Committee Meetings.

The Parish Clerk stated that there will have been two meetings by the date of the Metheringham Parish Council meeting on Tuesday 28 September 2010. As previously mentioned the meeting will be in the Village Hall, Fen Road at 7.30 with a public forum between 7.15 and 7.30 if required.  Perhaps you could let other Metheringham residents know in case they wish to attend."

http://www.macla.co.uk/newsmag/2010/09/metheringham-parish-council-me-8.html

My view is that the Metheringham Parish Councillors working with Nocton Dairies Ltd will have to be very careful not to prejudice themselves when it comes round to their vote on this proposal after the application is resubmitted.  Indeed, this will apply to all Councillors in the same situation, given that it is rumoured that NKDC Solicitors have already briefed local District Councillors in a similar vein.

Dairy UK expects more responsible debate over coming super dairy plans

http://www.dairyreporter.com/Markets/Dairy-UK-expects-more-responsible-debate-over-coming-super-dairy-plans

It's time to rethink means of mass food production

http://www.thisislincolnshire.co.uk/letters/s-time-rethink-means-mass-food-production/article-2676292-detail/article.html

New superbug that is spread by farm animals: Doctors raise concern over worrying resistance to antibiotics

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1314424/New-superbug-spread-farm-animals-Concern-resistance-antibiotics.html

Nocton Dairies Ltd - second meeting

Nocton Dairies Liaison Group

The second meeting will be held in Potterhanworth during the evening of Thursday 23rd September 2010.

A total of 12 people attended the inaugural meeting on the 9th September, with 4 representatives of Nocton Dairies, 3 Metheringham Parish Councillors, 2 residents from Nocton, 1 from Potterhanworth, 1 from Dunston and an Agricultural Chaplain from Market Rasen.

I am unsure as to whether the same people will attend the second meeting, but I do believe others want to participate. That said, Branston and Nocton Parish Councils appear not to want to get involved with the Liaison Group, at least until the planning application is resubmitted. I also understand Potterhanworth Parish Council are arranging for a local Councillor to attend... and a further resident from Dunston has expressed an interest as well. Scopwick Parish Council have yet to respond.

According to the local MACLA Magazine, Metheringham Parish Council are requesting that NKDC hold a public consultation in their village, once the planning application has been resubmitted by Nocton Dairies... and have offered to facilitate this. It is also thought they would like Nocton Dairies to give a formal presentation to residents once a FactSheet has been circulated (still to be agreed).

Nocton Dairies appear to have been encouraged by the inaugural meeting of the Liaison Group and have acknowledged their handling of the situation to date could have been better, with a Director apologizing for poor communication, admitting many mistakes had been made.

Looking to the future, local residents should expect circulation/delivery of this FactSheet (which may include a feedback form).  However, the actual content/format has yet to be agreed and will be the subject of discussion at this second liaison meeting. It has also been indicated that further information will be provided by Nocton Dairies on an updated website in due course, as space will be limited on the FactSheet.

Nocton Dairies are clearly trying to improve their relationship with the local community, but is the strength of opposition to the mega-dairy just too large to overcome? Only time will tell.

Nocton Dairies Ltd - liaison group

Nocton Dairies 'Liaison Group'

News has reached me that the inaugural meeting between Nocton Dairies Ltd, various village residents and Parish Councillors will take place Thursday 09th September at 6.30pm at a venue in Metheringham.

I understand the following will be attending:

The Directors of Nocton Dairies Ltd
The Public Relations Consultant of Nocton Dairies Ltd
An Agricultural Chaplain from Market Rasen
A Councillor from Dunston Parish Council
A resident of Dunston
A couple of Councillors from Metheringham Parish Council
A couple of residents from Nocton
A resident from Potterhanworth

(N.B. An individual has asked me to remove their name after I initially published the list of attendees.  To protect that person's identity I have now removed all names.)

I think it is fair to say these individuals are not formal representatives of the villages concerned.  There is no mandate to act on our behalf without full consultation of views. As yet, there is no representation at all from the villages of Scopwick or Branston and Mere.  It is also important for any Parish Councillor to consider their actions in any involvement with Nocton Dairies e.g. pushing out their literature or helping review and prepare such.  Doing so may indicate possible support of the impending application and they would therefore have to declare 'Prejudicial Interest'.

The draft Terms of Reference (as published in this blog on 1st September) give the Aims of this Liaison Group. As with any inaugural meeting, these will need to be discussed and agreed before the group is able to embark on its proper business... that of improving communication and establishing facts about the planned intensive dairy development.

I will report back here if I get any more information, although I'm sure the group will want to issue its own publicity in due course.

Farmers Guardian and Farmers Weekly Interactive

More promotional material here from the dairy industry:

Jenson Button and Elle Macpherson to wear milk moustache
http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/rural-life/country-view/jenson-button-and-elle-macpherson-to-wear-milk-moustache/34132.article

Jenson Button joins milk moustache campaign
http://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/06/123223/Jenson-Button-joins-milk-moustache-campaign.htm

Dairy Event 2010: VIDEO - Industry needs to tackle super-dairy questions

It is a shame the farming sector do not report the main reason why residents are objecting to the Nocton Dairy development... that it is due to be built right on top of a fragile aquifer supplying drinking water to the local villages.  The potential risk to our local environment of accidental pollution from 8,100 cattle in a concentrated location doesn't even bear thinking about.

Listening to Aly Balsom in the video, I couldn't help smiling to myself.  The dairy industry are content to leave the public perception with "cows in fields" and continue to use these sort of pictures in promotions and the like.  Instead of spending large sums of money on the 'milk moustache' campaign, is it not time to stop misleading the public and show them exactly how their milk and dairy goods are produced.  Of course, if they were to do this, the consumer may shop very differently indeed.

Interesting that major supermarkets like Tesco and Morrisons didn't even appear to want to comment.  At least Asda made a statement that they wouldn't rule out purchasing milk from large-scale dairies.  Once again though, Waitrose comes to the fore with their publicity... saying that they are focused on sourcing milk from traditionally run farms, that are largely family run.

For me, I know where I buy my milk from... and I will continue shopping there... 'Organic' and 'Duchy Originals'... do I need to say any more?

Supermarkets

The pressure on supermarkets begins to build again... and about time too in my opinion.

EU laws insufficient as MEPs go on supermarket attack
http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/business/eu-laws-insufficient-as-meps-go-on-supermarket-attack/34155.article

Dairy Event 2010: Kendall demands answers on milk price 'robbery'
http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/business/business-news/dairy-event-2010-kendall-demands-answers-on-milk-price-robbery/34164.article

Dairy Event 2010: NFU issue milk price warning to processors
http://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/08/123286/Dairy-Event-2010-NFU-issue-milk-price-warning-to-processors.htm

Nocton Dairies Ltd - finance

How will the £50 million development of the super-dairy on Dunston/Nocton Heath be financed I wonder?

Clearly one would have thought that Messrs Willes and Barnes will have money invested in the venture... and potentially Robert Howard too... but who else is involved?

There is a rumour that Clydesdale Bank plc, Glasgow may have advanced a business loan and for a while there has been an indicator possibly involving Arla Foods.

Arla are due to build a huge milk processing facility in London. To guarantee supplies, would this give sufficient reason for Arla to support Western Europe's largest intensive dairy?

There is an interesting sentence included in an article about the High Court case between Arla and the "Barnes partnership/Withgill Farm Limited", published in Farmers Weekly Interactive on 25th November 2008: "Following the conclusion of the case, both Arla Foods and Mr Willes were understood to be in discussion about developing a future commercial relationship."

Is this about to come to fruition with the Nocton Dairy? See Note 1

It is thought that Tesco See Note 2 could also be involved... Mr Willes already has close ties with this supermarket through his cheese production facility at Parkham Farms... see here:
http://www.tescofarming.com/v2/farmer-profile.asp?id=3
and here:
http://www.foodprocessing-technology.com/projects/parkham-farms/

Perhaps the newly formed Liaison Committee by Oxtale Public Relations might like to clarify these issues on who the stakeholders are in this venture, in its role of establishing the facts behind this development?

If any of my readers would like to give a contribution to my musings above, please feel free to comment.

Note 1 - Update 15th September

I am much obliged to the contact who supplied the following extract to me from recent correspondence with Arla Foods:

"The dairy is a processing facility only and there will be no cows on site...  I'm not sure where you have heard that we have connections with Peter Willes and David Barnes.  We have no connection with them or their proposed Nocton farm in Lincolnshire and it is purely coincidental that we have announced our dairy as Nocton plans to resubmit its plans". [Nicola Hedge - Arla Foods]

Note 2 - Update 9th September

I am much obliged to the contact who supplied the following extracts to me from recent correspondence with Tesco:

Q: "I have heard various rumours that the venture may have financial backing from Tesco Plc and I would like to know if this is true."

A: "The rumours to which you refer directly in your email are completely untrue. I hope that this has answered your question, but if you would like to know more then we have have sic more information about our dairy policy or if you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me again." [Felix Gummer - Tesco UK]

It is important that these issues be clarified.

EnvironmentGuardian.co.uk

From here to eternity: 340-mile journey for clotted cream made two miles away Supermarkets take pride in stocking local produce but distribution is 'complicated'
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/sep/03/food-miles-environment-impact

I would be interested to see the carbon footprint for each of the major supermarkets for comparison... as their HGV eat up the miles removing produce to their huge distribution depots, only to return the goods via the same journey to almost the original location.

I would be more interested in seeing the carbon footprint for the super-dairy.  Will one be produced I wonder reflecting transportation of cattle, feed and milk... the disposal of all the waste... the methane output from the cows... and the electricity required to run this agro-industry?

Nocton Dairies Ltd - unwelcome headlines

Escalating pressure

More unwelcome headlines for Nocton Dairies, prior to their resubmission of the planning application for the UK's largest intensive dairy.

Lincolnshire Echo

Poll shows that shoppers are ready to boycott milk from super-dairies
http://www.thisislincolnshire.co.uk/news/WSPA-poll-shows-shoppers-ready-boycott-super-dairy-milk/article-2590003-detail/article.html

... and the publicity isn't just limited to local newspapers either.

Farmer's Guardian

Protesters rally against Nocton super-dairy
http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/hot-topics/super-dairies/protesters-rally-against-nocton-super-dairy/33961.article

If you missed this on the TV yesterday, you can view it here:

Not In My Cuppa campaign launch
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hYuJrYXMiOU

It seems Nocton Dairies have finally realised they need the services of a public relations company... and based on their record to date, it won't be difficult to make some improvement.

Looking at the responses within the article, one can perhaps see the influence of the new PR company http://www.oxtale.co.uk/ at work. This company are now fully engaged in trying to improve the dairy consortium's public image. Another example here too:

The Londoneer
http://ht.ly/2ynDg

I believe this new positive spin is being targeted to gain public favour just before the next planning application is submitted, but will you be won over... for me... 'Not In My Cuppa' folks!

Finally, if you are a local resident likely to be affected by the building of this intensive dairy, you may want to know Nocton Dairies has issued an invite to all local residents to set up a Liaison Committee. If you wish to have some influence about how things unfold over the next couple of months, please consider the information in the next paragraph.

I have obtained the Terms of Reference from Amy Jackson at Oxtale Public Relations and have forwarded these to our local Parish Councils with full details. You will need to contact your local Councillors if you are interested in getting involved and wish to be considered.

The full Terms of Reference are here to enable you to make up your mind:

Draft Terms of Reference

Proposed Nocton Dairies Community Liaison Committee

Aims
The proposed liaison committee would aim to:

1. Provide a two-way channel of communication between the proposers of and consultants for the Nocton Dairies plan, and the local communities surrounding the proposed site
2. Ensure local residents are updated about imminent developments, changes and other information regarding the proposal, in a timely way
3. Create a forum in which issues can be raised about the proposal by the community representatives on behalf of residents. These issues need not be confined to those covered by planning regulations, and the proposers would welcome discussion about any aspect of the plan. The Nocton Dairies team would undertake to address all questions raised; if a response could not be provided at the meeting itself then the aim would be to provide one within a timescale agreed by all parties
4. Improve the effectiveness of communication through a better understanding of what and where information is required, and in what form in is required, as advised by the community representatives.

Benefits
The benefit of the liaison committee to the community is that it provides a genuine opportunity to understand the proposal and weigh up its pros and cons in a fully informed light. The Nocton dairies team isn’t seeking to influence a verdict through this committee, but it would like the community to be able to make a decision (or objection, if need be) based on the full facts, which, to date, have been poorly communicated at its own admission.

Membership
Chair: to be agreed by all but preferably with experience of chairing meetings and producing constructive, tangible outcomes. Neutrality is not obligatory but objectivity is. Wondered whether a local church minister or MP might be willing?

Parish Council representatives: propose from Dunston, Nocton and Metheringham Parish Councils, to represent their parishioners’ and council’s views.

Other community representatives: as agreed by the community itself. Potentially between four or five individuals who have concerns or reflect concerns in the community?

Nocton Dairies representatives: Peter Willes, David Barnes, Amy Jackson (consultant); also potentially Robert Howard and Graeme Surtees (consultant),

Management and reporting
The Nocton Dairies team is happy to provide Amy’s services to arrange meetings and take minutes (which would be subject to the agreement of all), but equally a member of the community can be appointed if that is desired. Minutes will be circulated to all committee members and once approved, can be published on the Nocton Dairies website for all to access.

Frequency of meetings
To be decided by the committee to meet its requirements and those of the communities represented, but the Nocton Dairies team suggests a meeting week commencing 6 September (maybe 9/10?) then one a fortnight later if necessary would be beneficial to start with. It may be that if holding a large open meeting was desirable between the two liaison committee meetings, the committee could report back on how well the information needs of the community had been met at that meeting.

Costs
If reasonable costs are incurred in hosting the meetings, such as coffee/tea and room bookings, then the Nocton Dairies team agrees to pay for these, but does so on the understanding this is without prejudice and not with the intention of influencing any opinion.

Other articles of interest

Earlier today, I was sent this link to an article written more than 10 years ago about the milk industry. It has to beg a question why the dairy industry hasn't been able to put its house in order all these years later?

Dairy farmers rally in London
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/678134.stm

Bold action is needed to protect the diversity of life on Earth

Instead of spending taxpayers' money propping up factory farms, UK government should support planet-friendly farming
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/cif-green/2010/sep/01/biodiversity-factory-farming

Why you should NEVER trust labels on food:

'Fresh' food that isn't fresh. 'Natural' colours that are chemicals and 'real' fruit juice that only 5 per cent fruit
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1307871/Never-trust-labels-food-Fresh-food-isnt-fresh-unnatural-colours-false-fruit-juice.html