Nocton Dairies has thrown in the towel over its plans to create the UK’s biggest cowherd, blaming sustained objections from the Environment Agency.

The company today announced it was pulling its mega-dairy application once and for all. It cited the environmental regulator’s concerns over risks posed to the site’s water table and whether the change in land use would be beneficial to the public.

The agency’s “precautionary stance and requests for new information reflect uncertainty with agriculture in general and the design of the modern dairy farm in particular”, Nocton said in a statement.

Despite its “best efforts” to address the agency’s concerns, a “lack of relevant research” meant the company was unable to provide the reassurances required.

But Nocton hinted that it would return to the drawing board to develop new plans for the location.

“Our farm at Nocton is a tremendous site with much potential for the future, so we won’t be selling it, but will now be taking some time to consider our options,” the company said. “Watch this space.”

In a parting shot, Nocton called for greater leadership from regulatory experts to help the farming industry “produce more with less”.

Today’s news will be regarded as a victory for environmental campaigners – and the organic lobby.

Yesterday the Soil Association published an open letter to North Kesteven District Council, which oversaw the planning process, underlining its opposition to the plans. Friends of the Earth and Compassion in World Farming were among the letter’s other signatories.

Suzi Morris of the World Society for the Protection of Animals, which also signed the letter, said: “While the Environment Agency’s objections were the final nail in the coffin for the Nocton plans, our own research made it clear there was a huge range of reasons why Nocton should not be given the go-ahead.

“This was never just about Nocton, but about the wide range of reasons why mega-dairies are not the answer to the problems facing the British dairy industry.”

Nocton first submitted plans to set up an 8,100-strong herd in Lincolnshire in February 2010. Last November it withdrew its original application and re-submitted plans for a farm containing 3,770 cows.

Read more
Dairy UK: ‘reject Nocton and UK dairy will suffer’ (12 February 2011)
Sustainable intensification: does Thanet point the way? (29 January 2011)
Environment Agency raises Nocton doubt (22 January 2011)