Leighton Mega-Dairy objection
Template objection letter
The public consultation period where the public comments and objections can be received officially ends 11 April.
Please note: Comments received on the previous application will not be counted! If you object to this farm then you will need to contact the council again.
This is your opportunity to add your voice against this mega farm!
To object:
To look at copies of the plans please see the council website. Plans are available under the information box (in the View Submitted Plans and Associated Documents link).
The application planning number is P/2011/0156
You may wish to use our template letter below.
You can comment via the council website on the planning application page and select 'make a comment'. You will have the fill in your details then copy and paste in the template letter.
Thank you!
The Letter:
Dear Sir/Madam
Ref: Planning application number P/2011/0156 Extension to the existing dairy unit to accommodate the housing of 1000 dairy cows in Welshpool, Powys.
I was appalled to learn of the application for this dairy expansion for a number of reasons, including animal welfare issues and environmental concerns. Therefore I wish to register my objection to the application.
I believe the proposed development would be extremely detrimental to the cows' welfare. Factory farming has been shown, time and time again, to cause extensive suffering to the animals involved. It is horrendous to think that British agriculture would follow the American style of farming where greed for profit is put first and animal welfare is overlooked. Dairy cows are over worked to produce high milk yields whilst kept in unnatural environments and denied the ability to exhibit natural behaviour. They endure a constant, miserable cycle of being forcibly impregnated and having their new born calves taken from them. In groups this large, animals often suffer from over-crowding, and disease can spread rapidly. This can increase the risk of bovine TB as well as a number of other infectious illnesses. As cases of bovine TB have increased in Powys it seems inappropriate to introduce more cattle into the area.
The development would be next to the local primary school, only 500 feet from the Village of Leighton and just over two miles from Welshpool. The farm could have a number of negative effects on local residence and surrounding area, which could include health problems from air borne waste and disease, slurry smells, noise pollution (from farm machinery, calf separation and traffic), light pollution and road disruption from increased traffic. A huge amount of water and slurry will be produced on a farm of this scale which could be extremely difficult to manage, store and dispose of. Spillage of slurry into the water table would be catastrophic. Ammonia from the farm could have a harmful effect on wildlife and the surrounding area. The potential health and environmental issues should be taken very seriously by the council.
It is my belief that it is unnatural for such a large number of animals to be kept at one development, which could result in low animal welfare and could cause human health and environmental hazards. I urge you to avoid these potential hazards and refuse permission for the development at Lower Leighton Farm, Welshpool.
Yours sincerely,
Campaigns 
Objection template
