Judge backs council’s decision to close smelly farm
A High Court Judgement has upheld the decision of the former Vale Royal Borough Council to end unauthorised production of animal feeds at Senna Green Farm, Antrobus.
The plant has been the subject of widespread opposition from residents in the rural area complaining about the unpleasant odours it emits.
Enforcement Notices served on IF Harrison, operators of the business in 2005, was the subject of an eight-day Public Inquiry in 2007 and unsuccessfully appealed by the owner in the High Court on 25 November this year.
Environmental planners took action on the grounds that the company did not have planning permission to render animal by-products at the plant. And the pollution of the local environment by odours and noise.
His Honour Judge McKenna found in favour of Cheshire West & Chester Council, which continued with the case started by its predecessors.
The court's decision means that production of animal feed at the former pig farm – situated in the greenbelt close to residential properties – must cease within the next 18 months.
Local councillor Norman Wright said: "The villagers and parish councils of Antrobus and Comberbach – will be delighted with this decision. It has certainly been a long time coming and they know only too well what life is like when the wind is in the wrong direction… or there is no wind at all.
"It goes without saying that everyone will hope that they do not have to wait another eighteen months for some relief."
