Update: 18/01/2011

The Environment Agency has lodged an objection to plans for the 3,770 cow Nocton Super-Dairy. The agency's objection is based on concern about the potential for pollution caused by waste from the dairy seeping into groundwater, from which drinking supplies are drawn.

Nocton Heath, where the proposed dairy will be built, is situated above an underground aquifer, which supplies water to around 170,000 people in the area.

An Environment Agency spokesperson said "We agree the risk of groundwater pollution can be reduced at the design stage. However, it is reasonable to assume there will be pollution incidents associated with the day-to-day operation of the proposed dairy. We consider these risks are unacceptable at this location."

Although the Environment Agency objection may prove to be a considerable setback to the company's plans, a Nocton Dairies spokesperson has said that "This is a completely normal part of the planning process, of which we are still in the fairly early stages."

Nocton Dairies Ltd. had previously submitted a proposal for a dairy around twice the size of the one currently planned for the site, but later scrapped the plans due to "technical issues". In the proposed dairy, cows will be kept in smaller herds and spend most of their time indoors, but would be allowed to graze outside at certain times in the summer. The company claims that the farm will meet high animal welfare standards.

The Environment Agency has insisted that its objection to the plans was not directly related to the size of the dairy, but whether it was suitable to the location. A spokesperson told the BBC, "We decided to object because we don't think the risk to groundwater can be mitigated by the developer."