Dairy plant plans for expansion backed

‘BIGGEST DEVELOPMENT OF ITS KIND IN REGION THIS YEAR’

PLANNERS have backed the latest phase in an Anglesey dairy’s expansion, paving the way for the creation of 34 jobs.

Thanks to a £20million investment, including a £3m Welsh Government grant, backers of Mona Island Dairy factory plan for it to be the most sustainable in Europe.

Councillors followed the advice of planning officers and approved plans for the second phase of the project.

Work on the first phase is already under way after being approved in 2019, creating a further 30 jobs following completion of the alterations and extensions to the existing building.

This second phase includes a new food production warehouse, an extension to provide a brining area, a building to accommodate DAF units, alterations to existing car parking layout and landscaping works.

Plans for a third phase are expected to follow, promising 100 jobs in total.

The development, according to the applicants, would increase production from 2,500 tonnes to 7,800 tonnes per annum.

Upon completion, 70 million litres of milk from 35 Welsh farms would be converted to 7,800 tonnes of high-quality premium cheese.

Addressing planning committee members, Sioned Edwards, of agents Cadnant Planning said: “Expanding the factory would secure the future of the business.

“This would be the biggest development of its kind in the food sector across North Wales this year, and is attracting attention across the UK and Europe.

“By the end of 2025 we expect the business to employ 100 people locally and the company is keen to work with the food technology centre at Coleg Menai, Llangefni.”

Planning officer Dewi Francis Jones noted that with the site being an industrial estate they would recommend approval.

The plans were backed unanimously.