Plans for the biggest dairy farm in Europe have been shelved after environmental concerns were raised by the Environment Agency.

The ‘super dairy’ which would see over 8,100 cows housed in sheds near the village of Nocton in Lincolnshire, would use slurry to feed an anaerobic digester capable of powering both the dairy and up to 2,000 homes.

The planning office at North Kesteven District Council, which is overseeing the application, has now asked for reassurances over the slurry management and odour levels which could affect people and the environment in the local area.

Karen Bradford, Corporate Director at North Kesteven District Council, said: "The council has been made aware of Nocton Dairies Ltd’s decision to withdraw its application for a dairy at Nocton Heath. This is due to a number of technical issues, rather than the principle of the application, and that after further consideration it will be re-submitted." 

Despite the promise of 80 local jobs and the potential for a new local industry, the Nocton Dairies plans attracted huge opposition both from local residents and animal welfare groups. Many saw this proposal as a step towards the American zero-graze, intensive farming model designed to ensure high milk production from each cow which can lead to ill-health in animals such as infections, lameness and infertility.

In a statement Nocton Dairies said comments received through the planning office have been taken on board but that the decision to withdraw is based purely on the issue of slurry management and they will not back out altogether.

Farmer Robert Howard, who heads the Nocton Dairies consortium said: “This is a huge, innovative and in many ways counter-intuitive project.

“The technical issues involved will take more time to address than we have available to meet the requirements of the planning authority and consultees. We will undertake more surveys and detailed reports with a view towards resubmitting a new planning application in the near future.

“As dairy farmers we have no doubt that dairies like ours represent an economically viable, environmentally sustainable and ethically imperative future for the British dairy industry. We know this by going back to first principles – we will simply do whatever is best for the cows.”

Nocton resident Deborah Holland, 33, said: “ I am relieved the plans have been withdrawn. The proposal said they would use the slurry to produce energy but this wasn’t going to happen for two years after the dairy was up and running. Can you imagine the effect that would have on us living nearby if the slurry was just kept on site or constantly spread on the fields?”

“I am still not convinced about these plans as I am against intensive farming. I don’t think Nocton Dairies expected as many of us to speak out against them – maybe because it is so rural here they think no one will be heard.”