TEMPERS flared at a public meeting when plans were unveiled to build four supermarket-sized milking sheds next to a plush housing development.

Over 70 residents packed Mitton Village Hall to discuss plans by Bashall Eaves farmer Barry Barnes to amalgamate his two farms at Withgill and increase his cattle herd from 250 to 1,000. He wants to introduce state-of-the-art milking technology in four 60x28m units.

His claim that the development would bring a new lease of life to the Ribble Valley's ailing dairy industry was backed by farmers from across the area, who attended the meeting to show their support.

But residents of Withgill Fold, a cluster of barn conversions and cottages on the site of a former dairy farm, claimed the development would be an eyesore.

The arguments became heated when some local farmers said they opposed housing developments in the countryside and accused the objectors of failing to understand the needs of agriculture.

The matter is expected to come before the council's planning committee at the end of May.

Alan Lahaise said he had lived at Withgill Fold for six years and got on well with the applicants. "We are concerned about the scale of the buildings and the impact on the environment and landscape," he said.

Neighbour Simon Lebon added: "These are four very large cattle units which will be used to house cattle under zero-grazing conditions. "Activity at the farm will substantially increase and our primary concern is the impact on the landscape.

"There will be an increase in the amount of slurry, more farm traffic and increased smell and noise."

Barry Barnes's wife Mary said her husband had farmed at Withgill for 24 years and agriculture was facing its worst recession in 75 years.

"In the last 12 months, 1,500 UK farms have gone out of business. We are aware of the concerns of residents and have altered the plans by lowering the height of the buildings.

"Suggestions that the plans will lead to animal cruelty is outrageous. We totally refute them.

"The development will end the movements of dairy cows between farms and reduce tractor movements. Slurry will be pumped underground, not held in a lagoon, so there will be less smell.

"These plans are looking towards the future. Heaven knows, British agriculture needs people prepared to look ahead," she said.

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