Calls for public inquiry into super dairy plans
MANY residents were unconvinced by a public consultation event to discuss plans for an 8,100-cow super dairy.
Nocton Dairies shelved plans in April for an industrial scale milking facility on a 22-acre site near Nocton after advice from planners to further gauge public opinion.
Residents, animal rights campaigners and MPs were concerned about effects of pollution, smells, animal welfare and traffic.
Now the consortium of farmers Peter Willes of Devon, David Barnes of Lancashire and Robert Howard of Nocton are considering resubmitting a revised proposal, looking further at environmental impacts and public opinion.
Representatives met with residents at a crowded event on Friday and Saturday at Wood Lodge Farm, Dunston where an informal poll revealed nearly all against of over 160 attending.
Kathryn Billings of Nocton said the venue was difficult to find and reach, was too small and poorly advertised with three different addresses.
"The applicants did not identify themselves and if the public wanted to ask questions it was difficult to do so as the noise inside the small building at times made normal conversation impossible.
"I asked Mr Willes what information he would give to NKDC and he replied that 'the majority of people were unsure'. In my experience the vast majority of those who attended were strongly against the dairy."
Some residents found documents confusing and difficult to read.
Mrs Billings felt the plans were lacking in detail and called for a public enquiry.
She said: "This scheme is so unprecedented in our country and so ill thought out that we need expert opinion on the possible damage we can do to the environment."
Nocton blogger Geoff Hall added: "At no time was I ever asked for my ideas or my views."
Consultants for Nocton Dairies say they are taking on board concerns and if they resubmit would make areas available for outdoor grazing.
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Saturday 11 February 2012
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