Nocton prepares to resubmit ‘super dairy’ plan

Plans to establish an 8100-cow “super dairy” in Lincolnshire are expected to be resubmitted.

Representatives of Nocton Dairies, the consortium behind the proposal, are due to meet local villagers on Friday (6 August).

Three farmers involved in the £40m project withdrew their original planning application earlier this year.

Having addressed environmental issues, the plan is now likely to be resubmitted to North Kesteven District Council.

The farmers involved are milk producers Peter Willes from Devon and David Barnes from Lancashire.

Having secured the Nocton farm in Lincolnshire, the two then approached local grower Robert Howard.

The super dairy would be built on land between Dunston and Nocton, about six miles south of Lincoln.

If approved, the farm will be home to more than 8100 cows, producing up to 250,000 litres of milk daily and employing 85 staff.

It would have access to 8500ha (21,000 acres) for forage production and manure spreading.

Local residents are divided over the proposal.

Supporters claim the plan will boost the rural economy in an area where decent jobs can be hard to come by.

But detractors highlight fears about animal welfare and the impact on the environment.