Green light recommended for intensive pig rearing unit near Yorkshire Wolds village

Two parish councils, the British Horse Society, and 91 people, are opposing plans for two buildings off Cliffe Road, each housing up to 995 “finisher” pigs, around a mile from the village of North Newbald.

Some objectors have raised concerns over their environmental impact, including pollution from ammonia emissions from pig manure.

Cliffe Road, a single track lane and part of a well-used bridleway, is popular with walkers, cyclists and runners.

Newland Parish Council said: “It leads to woodland and a nice wild meadow which is very welcome as much of the countryside surrounding Newbald is already given over to farmland.

"The unit will in effect create a no-go area where residents, visitors and tourists will no longer be able to enjoy a walk.”

A local wildlife site, Houghton Moor, is next door and there are six sites of special scientific interest within three miles, including Newbald Becksies.

The proposals to house up to 1,990 animals are just ten short of requiring an environmental permit, which would impose conditions relating to noise and odour.

However, planners say there is an “adequate separation distance” between the village and the pig units "to avoid any unacceptable impacts" on residents in North Newbald.

Natural England “have raised no objections (about ammonia levels) as they consider it is unlikely to have a significant effect” on the nature sites, a report adds.

The proposals previously had outline planning permission, which has lapsed.

The plans are due to be discussed by East Riding Council's Eastern Area Planning Sub-Committee on January 18.