In what may be a significant development in the long-running planning battle between Midland Pig Producers (MPP) and campaigners objecting to a proposed 25,000 unit intensive pig facility in Foston, Derbyshire, the Ministry of Justice last week stated its opposition to the plans.

In a meeting in June, South Derbyshire District Councillors upheld their previous objections to the Foston proposal. The district council has consistently opposed MPP's plans, arguing they are out of keeping with the area.

Even so, the final verdict will come from Derbyshire County Council, which had promised a decision over the summer. However, it is understood that a decision will not now be made until the Environment Agency has ruled on granting environmental permits for the Foston site.

Echoing the various complaints of local residents, the Ministry of Justice cited "operational traffic, odour, noise, impact on the listed Foston Hall [and] operational implications for emergency procedures" amongst its reasons for opposing the controversial development.

MMP's proposed facility would be built in close proximity to Foston Prison; concerns had been expressed over the construction of an intensive farm so close to the prison, which has a maternity ward. Last week, the Ministry said in its letter, "The Secretary of State is responsible for the safe operation of prison property, as well as those who are accommodated in or are users of its property."

The Ministry of Justice had previously refused to take a position regarding the proposal. The Ministry's recent change of heart came following its national female prison estate review, which could potentially lead to HMP Foston being expanded and refurbished, to accommodate the planned closure of two other prisons elsewhere in the country.

Jim Davies, spokesman for the Foston Community Forum, a local campaign group opposing the plans, welcomed the news. He said, "We are incredibly pleased that the Ministry of Justice has taken on board the concerns we have been raising for four years now. A facility of this size and nature is an industrial site. We have no reason to believe it will not release harmful emissions and create an environment for prisoners, prison staff and local residents conducive to stress and stress-related disorders."

An MPP said the company is seeking a meeting with the Ministry of Justice to discuss the issues of its objection in greater detail. The spokesperson said, "Although this letter was received in September the meeting proposed by the Ministry of Justice to enable us to provide them with the reassurances they seek has yet to take place. Key personnel within the [Ministry of Justice and prison] have changed since the proposal was first put forward, when no objection was raised, so it is entirely reasonable that we are asked to provide the same assurances to the new team."

In October, Controversial plans for a 1,000 cow 'mega-dairy' situated next to a primary school in Powys, mid-Wales were green-lighted by planning minister Carl Sargeant in the face of widespread opposition from locals, animal welfare groups and the National Trust (owners of nearby Powys Castle). Sargeant said his decision was taken on economic grounds, which he claimed outweighed the legitimate social and environmental concerns of the community and local officials.