CARMARTHENSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL have refused a Planning Application which sought to place a 32,000 hen free range chicken unit adjacent to properties and a tributary to the River Tywi at Pentrefelin, Llandeilo.
In its refusal the Authority cited an an Objection by Natural Resources Wales regarding the airbourne pollution from the unit which identified its effect on Dinefwr Estate – over 1500 metres away.
The council said: “The Dinefwr Estate SSSI is recognised as the second most important site in England and Wales for its parkland lichen assemblage; it is considered the impact from the proposal poses a major risk and will detrimentally impact the special features of the site.”
Objectors to the proposed development included:
- Llangathen Community Council
- National Trust
- South and West Wales Wildlife Trust
- Botanical Society of Great Britain and Ireland
- Llanelli Naturalists
- Fish Legal – the Legal arm of the Angling Trust
Objections from local residents had also focused on grave concerns regarding highways safety.
The Authority had also received a letter from Wales’ leading Medical Authority on environmental pollution – Public Health Wales (an NHS body) – which advised the Authority that they did not have the information required to make a decision regarding the impact of the Unit on the health of the Public. It noted the presence of several residences within a 400 metre radius.
The objectors now hope that Carmarthenshire County Council’s review of their Local Development Plan can include clearer guidance regarding the location of Animal Housing – especially Poultry and Pig units – in the vicinity of residences and ecologically sensitive features such as stream and rivers.
Clearer guidance developed on an ‘All Wales’ basis would assist the Agricultural Industry to develop plans in acceptable locations and reduce unnecessary expenditure at a time when the Farming Community is facing an uncertain economic future.
It would also reassure not only current but also potential young residents of rural communities that their ‘Health and Wellbeing’ will be adequately protected and that Rural Wales will remain a safe environment to bring up a family.
Add Comment