Plans for a new heifer accommodation building at Langdon Mill Farm, one of Pembrokeshire’s largest dairy farms, have received final approval from local authorities. The Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee endorsed the project in December 2023, paving the way for the construction of a 160-metre-long facility designed to house heifers.
Located near Jeffreyston, Kilgetty, Langdon Mill Farm manages a milking herd of approximately 2,000 cows, which are predominantly kept indoors throughout the year. The farm has invested significantly in its infrastructure over the last decade, enhancing cattle accommodation, slurry storage, and milking facilities, along with installing an Anaerobic Digestion (AD) plant.
The application, submitted by Hugh James of Langdon Mill Farms Ltd, includes plans for a heifer accommodation building, a slurry separation and dewatering facility, and associated yard areas on the 1,215-hectare farm. A statement from Reading Agricultural Consultants, representing the farm, emphasized the rigorous breeding program in place, which aims to improve genetics and tackle the ongoing threat of bovine tuberculosis (bTB).
Investment in Dairy Infrastructure
According to the farm’s representatives, the new building will accommodate heifers aged between 7-22 months, allowing for efficient management as livestock transitions from one facility to another as they grow. The existing infrastructure includes recently approved calf accommodation buildings, with construction nearing completion.
The farm operates a highly efficient dairy unit, achieving yields exceeding 10,000 litres per cow per year. Milking is conducted three times daily in a 60-point rotary parlour. Currently, Langdon Mill Farm employs 21 full-time and three part-time staff, with some employees residing on-site.
Members of the planning committee unanimously supported the project, granting delegated powers to the interim head of planning to finalize the approval following a habitats regulations assessment. A report published on February 5, 2024, noted that Natural Resources Wales confirmed receipt of the assessment. They concluded that, given the mitigation measures outlined and the absence of any increase in livestock numbers, there would be no adverse effects on the integrity of nearby Special Areas of Conservation (SAC).
Formal approval has now been granted, allowing Langdon Mill Farm to move forward with its plans to enhance its facilities. For those interested in local statutory or planning notices, publicnoticesportal.uk offers a comprehensive resource for updates across the UK.
This initiative aligns with broader trends in the agricultural sector, emphasizing sustainability and efficiency while addressing regulatory requirements.
