PLANS that could see “the biggest pig farm in the UK” built in a village near Ashbourne have hit a stumbling block after South Derbyshire District Council announced it is to object to the proposals.
Housing up to 25,000 animals on land off Uttoxeter Road in Foston, the farm was described by councillors as a ‘largescale agriculture and industrial development’, which would ‘dominate the countryside’.
However, the decision for Midland Pig Producers’ plans lies with the Derbyshire County Council planning committee.
Ward councillor Julie Patten, argued the proposals would present a ‘nightmare for Foston residents’.
“There is nothing else like this in the UK to compare this to,” she said. “The residents have a right to a peaceful life.
“Sadly, when it is built it will be too late and the residents will suffer in the meantime.
“In my opinion, this will have a longlasting impact on the countryside and the people in the surrounding area.” Her comments were echoed by her councillor colleagues, who also raised concerns about its proximity to Foston Hall prison, smell from the site and lorry movements.
Councillor Trevor Southerd described the proposals as ‘obnoxious’.
The county council planning committee is expected to make a decision later this year.
The move was welcomed by the Soil Association. Director Peter Melchett said: “We are pleased that South Derbyshire District Council have listened to concerns about the risks to health this proposal poses, which have been put forward by large numbers of local residents and the Government’s independent advisory body on health issues.” The Health Protection Agency said earlier this week those living 150m downwind from an intensive farming installation could be at risk from adverse health effects.
The developers argue it has measures in place to reduce odour and smell, and that it green energy could be developed from animal waste.
A spokesman for Midland Pig Producers said: “Disappointingly, in making their decision, members of the planning committee decided to ignore the recommendation of the professional planning officers.
“The report considered by the planning committee recommended no objection.
“However, the final decision is not the gift of the district council. The decision whether or not we are given the go-ahead will be made by Derbyshire County Council’s planning committee.
“We are aware that a handful of local people are opposing the plans, but the vast majority of those objecting are not local residents.”
