Stop the 2000 pig unit at Ashlehay

[northy]

This would despoil and pollute the valley as well as increasing lorry traffic through Wirksworth. How can this be stopped? Will these councillors determine approval or not there and then at the meeting on the 6th September? What time is the planning board meeting? Does anyone have this information?

[James Ogilvy]

What time is the planning board meeting? Does anyone have this information?[/quote]

"The Planning Board will commence at 7.0 pm in the Council Chamber of the Town Hall, Market Place, Ripley. There will be an opportunity for you to address the Council members for up to 3 minutes if you wish to do so. You should arrive before the start of the meeting to register your interest to speak."

"Alternatively you may register beforehand by contacting Jenny Owen on 01773 841657 or by email at jennifer.owen@ambervalley.gov.uk."

[BarryF]

I think it's important we hear from the other side, so below is a letter sent to Community Fayre by one of the proposers:
We are concerned to see that the proposal for a pig farm in Barnsley Lane, Idridgehay has become the subject of a strong campaign from antagonists that have no understanding of the kind of farming involved. Unfortunately, a substantial amount of misleading information has been bandied about in order to undermine the application.
The principle of establishing new agricultural enterprises is encouraged by government in order to promote a healthy rural economy and sustainable communities.
We have had many pre-application discussions with the local planning authority and we believe that the proposal is fully in accordance with government advice and local development plan policies.
The Highways Authority, the Environment Agency and the Environmental Health Officer have raised no objections. Proper procedures will be put in place to ensure that there will be no damage to the environment, and that no residential properties will be affected by any of the activity associated with the enterprise.
The site for the buildings has been carefully chosen to ensure that there will be no unacceptable impact either on the site itself or the surrounding area. The buildings will be screened by the landform, by new tree and hedge planting, and by the retention and management of existing trees and hedgerows. There will consequently be no significant impact on the character and appearance of the countryside.
We are promoting non-intensive pig growing that meets higher standards than set out under RSPCA welfare criteria, and which will help to minimise imports from countries that continue with unacceptable practices in animal husbandry.
Yours sincerely,
C. G. Thorp, MRTPI
Director, Chris Thorp Planning Ltd

[northy]

The fact remains that lorry traffic will increase through Wirksworth by the very nature of this project. How can this be environmentally sustainable in already overcrowded roads? Not to mention the welfare of the animals concerned who will be housed in intensive 'battery farm' conditions. Mr. Thorp dismisses people's concerns by saying they are "antagonists". Nothing could be further from the truth - many people have rightful concerns about the scale and intensive nature of this proposal, and the effect on the surrounding landscape and environment.

[Stella]

....and what about the smell? Won't it waft in the wind?

[Figgy]

I have just read the case for this.How can 2000 pigs on that site be "non-intensive"?The lanes are still unsuitable for huge transporters,and the junction is dangerous for large vehicles turning on or off the main road.Do the good people of Duffield know what is happening upstream from them,I wonder?

[northy]

....and what about the smell? Won't it waft in the wind?

Yes, there is no mention of the 'smell pollution' by Mr Thorp in his letter to Community Fayre. Also how will the waste product from the "pig growing" be disposed of? If Mr Thorp takes an interest in local community matters and reads forums such as this, I would be very interested for him to respond to these and other points raised.

[Stella]

As a moderator, I accidentally deleted a message someone left last night on this thread. Many apologies! Please do re-write your message. :o:o