More than 300 people object to livestock unit bid in Northumberland

The bid for the facility by the family-run agricultural business at High House Farm, near Matfen, is to expand its existing livestock operations through the erection of an additional pig rearing and finishing unit.

A design and access statement, which is among the documents submitted to Northumberland County Council, sets out the various measures that will be taken with the local environment in mind.

However, those opposing the plans – which include people in other parts of the country – believe that if the expansion is approved, it would intensify existing concerns about odour and environmental impact in the community.

One of the objectors, Robert Shipp, said: “The expansion presents an unacceptable risk of water pollution and flooding due to the demonstrated inadequacy of the existing foul water management systems.

“The reliance on a new soakaway system for the proposed unit, mirroring the allegedly failing existing system, will only worsen the contamination and flood risk.”

Another objector, Matfen resident John Mitchell, said: “The obvious problem will be the smell of all those animals so close to our village and I wish to register my objection to this proposal.”

Jo Lazarus of Communities Against Factory Farming said: “Local residents are already dealing with odours and water pollution concerns linked to this site.

“Doubling the scale of the operation will inevitably increase the burden on the surrounding countryside and on those who call it home. We strongly urge the council to refuse this application.”

The design and access statement includes the following: “The proposal will enable the next generation of the farming family to continue operating within the agricultural sector.

“Ventilation within the building is based on high velocity ridge mounted fans, utilising gale breaker adjustable curtains in the side of the building to control airflow. High velocity ridge mounted ventilation fans are highly efficient in relation to odour and ammonia dispersal.

“The management of pollution from the proposed unit is very strictly controlled by legislation governed by the Environment Agency.

“At the end of each batch of pigs, the straw bedding is removed and the building washed out and prepared for the next batch of pigs.”