A government proposal for the building of 12 farms for 666 cows in the San Niklaw zone on the outskirts of Siggiewi was this afternoon approved by the planning authority with 11 votes for and one against in spite of opposition by the locality's local council.

The project involves shifting farms from around the island to an area of around 70,000 square metres – 29,000 of which is virgin land. It will be headed by the government.

Two of farms will have a capacity for 80 cows, three for 59 each and the seven farm units will have a capacity of 47 cows each. The outline permit also includes a centralised dairy waste digester and waste conversion facility.

Opposition spokesman Ryan Callus, a member of the board, voted against.

The council said in a statement this morning the farms would produce a considerable stench and create a negative impact - visually, on residents, and in air quality.

 

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