Plans for a new heifer accommodation building at Langdon Mill Farm in Pembrokeshire have received final approval from local authorities. The project includes a 160-metre-long building, a slurry separation and dewatering facility, and associated yard areas on the 1,215-hectare farm, which is home to a milking herd of approximately 2,000 cows. The decision was made during a meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee in December 2023.
Hugh James of Langdon Mill Farms Ltd submitted the application, which was supported by a statement from Reading Agricultural Consultants. The statement highlighted that the farm houses its milking herd indoors for most of the year, while dry cows and heifers are allowed to graze outdoors under suitable weather conditions.
According to the supporting documentation, Langdon Mill Farm has seen significant investment in infrastructure over the past decade, addressing cattle accommodation, slurry storage, milking facilities, and an Anaerobic Digestion (AD) plant. Recently, the council approved the construction of calf and weaned calf accommodation buildings, which are nearing completion.
The farm operates a 60-point rotary parlour and achieves impressive yields of over 10,000 litres per cow per year, with cows being milked three times a day. The farm employs 21 full-time and three part-time staff members, four of whom reside on-site. The remaining employees live locally.
The statement also noted that Langdon Mill Farm has shifted its breeding strategy, now producing most of its heifers internally to enhance genetics and reduce the risks associated with bovine tuberculosis (bTB). The proposed heifer building will accommodate heifers aged 7 to 22 months, with its location strategically chosen to facilitate the movement of livestock between adjacent buildings as they mature.
The planning committee members unanimously supported the application, granting delegated authority to the interim head of planning for its approval, contingent upon the completion of a habitats regulations assessment. An officer’s report published on February 5, 2024, indicated that Natural Resources Wales had received this assessment. They confirmed that, considering the mitigation measures outlined and the absence of any increase in livestock numbers, there would be no adverse effects on the integrity of local Special Areas of Conservation (SAC).
Formal approval has now been secured for the project, marking a significant step forward for Langdon Mill Farm as it continues to enhance its facilities and operations. Stakeholders interested in local statutory or planning notices can visit publicnoticesportal.uk and enter their postcode for updates.
