Application update for industrial beef complex bigger than supermarket in Wiltshire
The proposal is currently under consideration by Wiltshire Council, with the public consultation period closing on 22 May
Nearly 1,500 people have opposed the construction of a beef complex the size of a supermarket on the edge of a Wiltshire village.
In April, the Local Democracy Reporting Service told how Bodman Livestock Ltd wants to build a beef plant in the parish of Potterne.
Plans were filed two weeks after the village lost a two-year planning battle against a 200-acre solar farm, with the applicants telling Wiltshire Council that the community faced a choice between their beef sheds and more solar panels.
The firm wants to build two large sheds on 64 acres at Whyr Farm. The larger of the two sheds would measure nine metres (30ft) tall with a floorspace of 2,100 square metres – the size of an average Lidl.
It would accommodate 100 suckler animals plus calves, 200 youngstock aged up to 12 months, and a minimum of 90 animals from 12 to 24 months old.
In a planning application to Wiltshire Council, Bodman Livestock Ltd said: “Beef production is a profitable enterprise. The alternative to beef production on the site would be to build a solar farm on the land.”
But the plans face fierce opposition from locals and animal rights campaigners.
Opponents argue the scale of the development goes far beyond traditional farming practices and would industrialise a rural part of Wiltshire, raising concerns around animal welfare, odour, pollution, landscape impact and increased traffic in the surrounding area.
One public objection submitted to the council states: “Industrial farming is cruel and inhumane. There are more and more undercover videos on social media these days showing the abuse of defenceless animals.
“I object to the building of this facility and the housing of animals in these conditions.”
Another objector wrote: “There is no benefit to the local environment to impose this factory farm, especially as you’re supposed to be protecting green spaces.
“We cannot afford the additional pollution and disturbances in the local area.”
A further comment states: “Such a development is fundamentally at odds with Wiltshire’s stated commitments to protect green spaces, enhance biodiversity, and promote sustainable farming.”
Dr Sean Barrs, campaigner at Animal Justice Project, said: “There has been a substantial level of public opposition to this proposal, citing issues ranging from odour and environmental impact to animal welfare and the industrialisation of the countryside.
“We hope Wiltshire Council carefully considers the scale of public opposition before making its decision.”
The proposal is currently under consideration by Wiltshire Council, with the public consultation period closing on 22 May and a decision expected by 22 July.
To view or comment on the application visit https://development.wiltshire.gov.uk/pr/s/ using the application reference PL/2025/09651