Dairy farm family disappointed over council ruling to build 80 homes

The dairy farming family have 160 Holstein-Friesian cows (Stock Photo)
The dairy farming family have 160 Holstein-Friesian cows (Stock Photo)

A dairy farm family have said they will do what they can to continue after Isle of Wight councillors approved plans to develop 80 homes on part of their land.

Nigel and Amy Holliday are tenant farmers at Westridge Farm, where councillors agreed 80 new homes could be built on part of the farmland, following an application from the landowner.

They farm 160 Holstein-Friesian cows and a flock of chickens and are the third generation to farm there.

Following the decision, they said the outcome was not ideal adding they hoped to continue for the 'good of future generations and the island.'

The decision by the council follows months of talks and a long-running campaign to protect the dairy.

'Lifestyle choice'

"Farming is not a job, it's a lifestyle choice, especially dairy farming, unsociable hours, working 365 days a year, seven days a week, making sacrifices for the good of the farm and its future," they said in a statement on social media.

"We need these green spaces around us to give us the opportunity to have local produce with traceability to your local farm.

"Unfortunately tonight's decision will mean our landlord will now take a percentage of the farm away which is not ideal in the already tough times as a dairy farmer.

"We don’t want to become another dairy farm closure statistic."

The farming couple said they have recently started selling milk at their farm to the local community, calling it an important mile stone.

"It is our chance to give something back to all the local residents so you can help support the future of your local farm and green space," they said.