NEW plans for a controversial piggery at neighbouring County Durham farms have been put forward.

If approved, the application by farmer Tim Bates, for company G&M Westgarth, would allow him to keep up to 3,000 pigs at Biggin Farm and Hill House Farm in New Brancepeth.

Another application for sheds, for 4,000 pigs, at Biggin Farm, which had attracted around 180 objections, was withdrawn in March.

The application is for two sheds for 2,000 pigs at Biggin Farm, and for changes to two buildings at Hill House Farm, which is already used to keep around 1,000 animals.

A number of new objections have already been made, including by Marion Wilson, the area’s county councillor, who has asked for the application to be heard by a committee at Durham County Council.

Smells, environmental risks and the number of large vehicles involved have all been raised as issues.

Cllr Wilson said: “Even with the reduction in the quantity of pigs being transported there is still the question of the increase in vehicular movement around the local area and the adverse impact this will produce in and around New Brancepeth.

“It has already been reported that wagons carrying livestock have been involved in ‘near misses ‘ on the road from Brandon to New Brancepeth.

“The environmental impact again is an issue as the same problems arise, all be it in smaller quantities but odour and effects on the river Browney still remain. The ancient woodland will also still be affected.

“In short the problems the previous application raised are still there as 2,000 pigs will still be on that site.”

The applicants, who say they want to develop the farm as an expansion of their pig breeding enterprise, have considered a number of sites on the farm where the buildings could go following the objections.

The new site is 450m away from the nearest neighbours and to Rag Path Wood, an area of ancient woodland.

A statement by ARM buildings, on behalf of the applicant, said: “The proposal is vital to the development of the clients’ overall pig farming business and British farming generally.

“The buildings have been sensitively placed within the farmland to minimise impact on the surrounding landscape and ensure efficient farm workings. The buildings will provide sustainable, efficient, welfare friendly accommodation for the livestock in line with the clients’ current practises.”

G&M Westgarth, alongside farmer Thomas Betney, of Green View Lodge, The Piggeries, Hamsterley, is due to appear at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court charged with a number of offences under the Animal Welfare Act, in relation to another pig farm in Hamsterley.

At a previous hearing, a solicitor for G&M Westgarth indicated the company would plead not guilty.