Villagers oppose pig unit proposal

PARISH COUNCILLORS are objecting to plans for a pig finishing unit which they believe will cause “unacceptable” odour problems for residents in an East Riding village.

Foxton Farmers Ltd is applying for planning permission for the unit for nearly 2,000 pigs, with four feed silos, in a field close to Coniston. The application has sparked objections from Ellerby Parish Council, which is concerned about slurry spreading close to people’s homes and access to the site along a narrow lane.

Another 20 residents and businesses, including a nearby pub, have also put in objections about the potential for smells, noise and an increase in flies.

But East Riding Council planning officers are recommending the go-ahead is given to the plans, which are due to be discussed at a meeting next week. A report to councillors says the nearest dwelling is a farm 275 yards away, with the village of Coniston about half a mile away and the separation distance “would be generally regarded as sufficient”.

The pigs will be fed automatically and the slurry will go into a sealed underground tank with a six-month capacity, before being spread four times a year. The council has been told feed deliveries would average 2.4 wagons each week over a year, as well as calls by workers and vets.

The report said: “Subject to appropriate conditions, the proposed erection of a pig unit would be considered an appropriate form of sustainable agriculturally related development which would be of benefit to the local economy.”