Hundreds oppose 'cruel' plans to build cattle complex

Almost 1,400 people have opposed "cruel" plans to build a cattle "factory farm" the size of a Lidl supermarket on the edge of a village.

Bodman Livestock Ltd wants to create two large sheds at Whyr Farm in Potterne, near Devizes, to home about 400 calves and cows.

One public objection submitted to Wiltshire Council described the proposals as "cruel and inhumane", while another resident said that there is "no benefit to the local environment to impose this factory farm".

In a planning statement, Bodman said the family had "a proven track record in high standards of animal welfare and widespread experience of farming matters".

Opponents argue the scale of the development goes far beyond traditional farming practices and would industrialise a rural part of Wiltshire.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, specific concerns were raised about animal welfare, odour, pollution, landscape impact and increased traffic in the surrounding area.

Worton Parish Council requested an odour report be resubmitted, and also raised concerns around additional traffic through the village.

The plant would accommodate 100 suckler animals plus calves, 200 youngstock aged up to 12 months, and a minimum of 90 animals from 12 to 24 months old.

The proposals were filed two weeks after the village lost a two-year planning battle against a 200-acre solar farm, with the applicants telling Wiltshire Council that the community faced a choice between their beef sheds or more solar panels.

In its application, Bodman said: "Beef production is a profitable enterprise. The alternative to beef production on the site would be to build a solar farm on the land."

Wiltshire Council's decision is expected by 22 July.

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