Plans for a huge mega dairy at Nocton in Lincolnshire have today been withdrawn to the delight of animal welfare campaigners. Viva!, Europe's largest campaigning vegetarian organization, launched its campaign against Nocton Dairies Ltd one year ago today after planning permission was sought for an 8,100 dairy cow factory farm, where the animals would spend much of their lives entirely indoors. After fierce opposition, this application was withdrawn and later submitted in an amended form, seeking permission for a 3,700-cow unit. But it was always the company's intention eventually to expand the number of animals to over 8,000, making it the largest dairy in Britain. Viva! campaigns director, Justin Kerswell, says: “We are delighted to learn that the second application for this horrendous application has been withdrawn. “Environmentally this was always doomed to failure – and the Environment Agency were quick to point this out. However, we shouldn't let the environmental reasons hide the fact that people power has also played a huge part in stopping the largest ‘cow prison' in Europe being erected. “Public outrage was palpable, and clearly reflected in the number of objections that this proposal generated. There can be no bigger indication that an expansion of intensive farming practices for animals is not welcome on these shores. “Viva! is committed to fighting these blights on the landscape and we will be watching closely for any developments. We know the public supports us in this – and most agree with us that factory farming has got to go.” Viva! and Vegan Lincs were the first organizations to fight the proposed industrial dairy and spearheading the campaign on Facebook, with the Oppose the UK's biggest Factory Farms group, which boasts over 7,000 members. Nocton Dairies have written to North Kesteven District Council, siting the Environment Agency's concerns over potential contamination of an underground aquifer as the reason behind the move. In correspondence they are understood to have recognized the “overwhelming criticism” the plans attracted, which totaled over 15,000 objections over the 28 day consultation period. BM
