‘We did it by the book but it was so stressful’
A DAIRY farmer has spoken of the huge strain he and his business partner were placed under after they became embroiled in a planning row with Anglesey Council.
Eurig Jones expressed thanks for the support of the island’s agriculture community as they faced up to the prospect of losing a £3m investment in their new dairy unit near Capel Coch.
Last week an appeal was upheld against the scheme’s original rejection, with Anglesey Council adjudged to have “behaved unreasonably” in arriving at the decision.
“We were fairly confident because we knew that everything we had done was within policy,” said Eurig, 37.
“But right up to the last minute there was always the thought in the back of your head that it may go against us, and that we may be forced to pull down the sheds.
“We tried to put it out of minds, and get on with our lives, but it was a stressful time for everyone.”
With partner Owen Rowlands, Eurig had pressed ahead with the project after being told planning officers would not object.
After installing 240 milkers at Plas Llanfihangel, the planning process was unexpectedly delayed when objections were raised by nearby residents, worried at the potential for noise, light pollution and visual blight.
Having put the cows to bulls, and needing somewhere to milk them, the two Arla suppliers felt they had no option but to press ahead with their planned shed and parlour in the hope of getting retrospective permission.
However, Anglesey’s planning commission rejected the proposal after some councillors voiced concerns it would set a dangerous precedent.
While Eurig and Owen have some sympathy with this position, they were initially critical of councillors for ignoring the advice of their planning officers, and for placing Anglesey’s taxpayers at risk of a hefty financial penalty.
“It worked out OK in the end, but doing it this way is not something I would recommend to anyone,” said Eurig, who last month became a dad for the second time.
“We felt we had no choice. We never built the sheds without the intention of getting permission, but we found ourself in a position beyond our control.
“A nucleus of people were against the scheme and while we understood their objections, we also had a lot of support and positivity from the local agricultural community, for which we are extremely grateful.”
After visiting the farm, planning inspector Joanne Burston concluded the new dairy unit had “no significant visual impact” and represented a significant investment in the local rural economy. Two staff are now employed full-time, and two part-time.
The council, by rejecting the scheme “unreasonably”, had brought unnecessary expense upon the two farmers in pursuing an appeal, she said. This is thought to amount to several thousands of pounds, though Anglesey Council has yet to be presented with a final bill.
The council said it would accept the inspector’s verdict.
But a spokesman added: “This case highlights issues surrounding the inadequate powers councils have to deal with unauthorised developments.
“We have already brought these concerns to the attention of the Welsh Government.”