Plans for a new pig farm in Lincolnshire have been approved, despite mass opposition from local residents and animal rights campaigners determined to stop it.
A proposal by farmer Tim Elwess for rearing units housing 2,000 pigs, a farmhouse and straw storage was rejected in January after a campaign sparked more than 4,000 objections.
But despite the opposition, driven in part by Animal Aid, growing to more than 7,500 signatures, the unit has now been approved.
At a hearing on Wednesday, the West Lindsey District Council's (WLDC) planning committee approved a resubmitted application via a majority vote.
The second application sought to address concerns raised in noise and odour environmental impact reports and was deemed to be sufficiently robust by the planning committee.
'Misinformation breeds fear'
NPA policy services officer Lizzie Wilson welcomed the decision, saying it showed what can be achieved even in the face of intense opposition to development proposals.
"This is great news as it proves local councils are prepared to make decisions on the basis of the actual planning issues in front of them.
"This proposal is ideally located outside the village with careful consideration given to issues raised during the planning process.
"Although local residents are disappointed, they’re unlikely to know it is even there once the unit is up and running.
"Misinformation breeds fear but, in reality, this proposal will bring considerable benefits.
"This decision reiterates how important it is for the industry to continues making the rational case for what we do and what we deliver in terms of food security backed by high production standards."
'Deeply disappointed'
The application had been opposed by Upton’s parish council, which expressed concern about the impact on local residents.
But the opposition extended beyond local concerns after Animal Aid got involved, joining with local residents and the parish council to launch an online petition against the proposal, which ended up attracting thousands of signatures. It also made its presence felt locally at campaign events and in the local media.
"We are deeply disappointed that – in spite of overwhelming public opposition – this new factory farm has been allowed to go ahead," said Isobel Hutchinson, Head of Campaigns at Animal Aid.
"The farm will cause nearly 2,000 pigs at a time to suffer in crowded conditions, before facing a brutal and terrifying death at the slaughterhouse.
"While we may not be able to stop the Upton pig farm, everyone has the power to make a huge difference for animals by choosing a cruelty-free diet.
"We would urge anyone who is – quite rightly – upset by the Upton pig farm decision to contact Animal Aid for a free Go Vegan information pack."
