National Pig Association THE VOICE OF THE UK PIG INDUSTRY NPA is active on members' behalf in Brussels & Whitehall, and with processors, supermarkets & caterers - fighting for the growth and pros-perity of the UK pig industry.

Arun District Council in West Sussex granted outline planning permission for a substantial housing development. A neighbouring landowner complained to the council that the proposed scheme was too close to his site and would prompt complaints over noise if he recommenced his business which is manufacturing concrete paving slabs.

Subsequently, the council failed to seek the advice from an environment health officer before approving the application.

The Ombudsman concluded that if advice had been obtained, it was possible the layout of the development would have been changed or noise attenuation measures recommended.

The Ombudsman has recommended the council pay the complainant 35,000 and help him find a suitable site if he decides that he still wants to re-establish his business.

Although cases like this turn on the specifics of the situation, the interesting point about this one is that the Ombudsman was prepared to accept an argument based on the "likelihood" of future complaints.

The case also flags up the issue of encroachment to local planning departments, which is where the intensive livestock sector needs to focus attention.

The West Sussex case gives strength to National Pig Association's argument that IPPC 400 metre "sensitive receptor" zones should not apply to housing development that takes place after an IPPC permit has been granted.

Source: the National Pig Association - 6th January 2006