Northumberland farmer withdraws controversial plan to convert grain store into livestock building at Dunstan Steads
A farmer’s plan to convert a grain store into a building for livestock has been withdrawn.
In December 2024, Ian Brown submitted a change of use application for the proposal at Dunstan Steads Farm, near Embleton.
The application attracted a huge response with dozens of objections voicing concerns about potential smell and noise.
Among them, Craster Parish Council stated: “Craster Parish Council recognises that agriculture is a major contributor to the Northumberland economy. Additionally, we are sympathetic to the external pressures, largely as a result of recent government policy and pricing pressures within the industry, which have instigated this application.
“In assessing this application however, our primary concern remains the likely adverse impact of this operation, specifically in terms of odours and noise, on the nearby residents of Dunstan Steads. The parish council remains unclear on the exact scale of the pig operation proposed for the site.”
However, there were also many letters of support highlighting the need to back farmers in their diversification plans.
Embleton resident Aaron Wood wrote: “Fact based information from soil sampling and nutrient input requirements now show how important continued livestock at Dunstan Steads will be as part of a sustainable farming business, as it has been for hundreds of years.
“Any business requires flexibility, farmers are no different. Grain is stored in the shed for part of the year, why can't the applicant utilise their building to suit other parts of their farming venture at other times of the year?”
A letter to the applicant’s agent on September 9 confirms the proposal has been withdrawn. No further details are given.