CONTROVERSIAL plans to build farm sheds to house up to 4,000 pigs have been withdrawn.
The development had been planned for Biggin Farm, near New Brancepeth.
The application had been made by tenant farmer Tim Bates for the two sheds, which would have been used to house pigs, as part of farm owner Mark Westgarth’s existing operation in Newsham, in North Yorkshire.
The plans, which were met by widespread opposition, were withdrawn this week.
A letter by Andrew Brittain, operations director, to Durham County Council says: “After meeting with yourself and other members of the planning team, we have considered the points you raised outlining concerns received from both local residents and consultees over the number of the pigs we propose to house in the above proposal.
“After long consideration, we have decided to withdraw the planning application.”
“We propose to submit a new planning application for a reduced number of pigs at Biggin Farm, including retention of extension to existing agricultural building at Hill House farm.”
There are around 1,000 pigs living at Hill House Farm, which is next to Biggin Farm.
Almost 180 letters had been to the council, including objections from people living nearby as well as from further afield from those concerned about animal welfare.
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