Super dairy plans could be back on track in May

Withdrawn plans for an 8100-cow super dairy in Lincolnshire could be resubmitted as soon as next month, it has emerged.

Nocton Dairies, the company behind the project, withdrew an initial planning application last week after being asked to supply more details on the likely environmental impact of its proposals.

The application was due to go before the planning committee at North Kesteven District Council. But council officials asked for additional information on waste management procedures before deciding whether to give the go-ahead.

In a statement, Nocton Dairies said: “The technical issues involved will take more time to address than we have available to meet the requirements of the planning authority and consultees.”

Nocton spokesman Graeme Surtees confirmed the council had asked for more information regarding slurry disposal. The firm will now prepare an in-depth report, he added.

If all goes well, the planning application could be resubmitted by the end of May, said Mr Surtees. “The application was withdrawn at the council’s behest. They’ve asked us for more information and we’ve agreed to provide it.”

The delay means the dairy will not start milking this autumn as planned. Instead, spring 2011 is seen as the likely starting date – if the planning committee gives the green light in time.

Should it receive the go-ahead, milk output from the £50m farm, six miles south of Lincoln, will reach 250,000 litres daily. But local residents are divided over the scheme. Last week, Nocton Parish Council voted against the super dairy.

The proposals have also been raised in parliament. Before the general election was called, 172 MPs signed an early day motion opposing the dairy on the grounds that the cows would be kept inside for much of the year.

Opponents have also voiced fears about pollution. But Mr Surtees said the farm would be largely odourless. An anaerobic digester would separate slurry into odour-free solid and liquid portions before it was used as fertiliser.

Animal welfare campaigners too have mounted a stiff campaign against the farm. However, North Kesteven District Council said complaints on animal welfare grounds would not be a valid reason for refusing the application.