Plans for cow shed refused despite alterations

Impact on woodland cited as a concern

- By Phil Corrigan Local Democracy Reporter

CONTROVERSIAL plans for a cow shed housing up to 144 cattle on the edge of a town have been blocked.

The proposals for Westwood Hall Farm in Leek originally included three beef rearing units with capacity for hundreds of cows, sparking fears of 'industrial scale' farming among objectors.

Matthew and Courtney Shuker, who run the farm, subsequently amended their plans so only one of the three buildings would be used to house animals, with the other two becoming fodder stores.

But planning committee members at Staffordshire Moorlands District Council voted to refuse permission for the cow shed, due to concerns over the impact on nearby ancient woodland.

The committee deferred the separate planning applications for the two fodder store buildings, after concerns were raised over their design.

Dozens of residents objected to the proposals, saying the green belt location near Westwood College and people's homes was inappropriate for large scale cattle farming due to the noise, smell and increased traffic.