Meeting over Ian Mosey application in Hovingham next week

Calls have been made to North Yorkshire Council to reject the plans that residents fear could open the door to significant intensification of production at Blackdale Farm mill, near Coulton.

The application, by Ian Mosey Ltd, seeks to vary a condition of planning approval from 2011 to allow the maximum operating capacity of the Feed Mill to not exceed more than 72 tonnes per hours.

However, the application has attracted over 150 objections, with nearby residents fearing that approval could lead to a significant increase in production, resulting in a surge in HGV and other traffic across the area, raising concerns about increased noise and air pollution, and causing lasting harm to the Howardian Hills heritage.

Last month, the community response gained new momentum after receiving legal opinion that the council should hold firm and enforce the existing conditions, countering the applicant’s claim that previous approvals were ‘vague and unlawful.’

According to the opinion, the council should ignore the developer’s arguments adding that the company’s proposed change will substantially increase the mill’s operating capacity. It also strongly recommended that an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) be conducted to evaluate social, landscape, nature, and climate effects before the committee makes any decisions.

An open community meeting is planned on Thursday, March 5, at Hovingham Village Hall from 7pm to update residents of the situation and discuss options.

Cllr Steve Mason, who represents Amotherby and Ampleforth on North Yorkshire Council, said, “All are welcome to attend as we will be asking the council to insist on an EIA, but I would go one step further and ask that a transport assessment be conducted to reflect consequential HGV and other traffic movements that already affect communities across the area.”

“There is a risk of serious long-term impacts for residents if this application is approved. In my experience as the councillor, residents frequently express concerns about more and more HGV traffic, with the associated noise and pollution.

“I’m worried that if this is approved, these issues will increase, affecting the quality of life and well-being of residents in affected villages and local towns like Malton, Hovingham, Oswaldkirk and even as far as Brandsby and Yearsley”

“This opinion confirms residents’ fears that the proposed variation is not just a clarification change, but confirmation of significant expansion in operations, reinforcing local concerns of a potential increase in capacity of over 400% above previously approved levels in the highly protected area. More than 150 objectors are asking the council to resist any pressure to approve this retrospective attempt to move the goalposts.”

Cllr Mason added “I believe that the company has become a victim of its own success, outgrowing its current location. Perhaps, as a matter of urgency, a conversation should be happening between the council, the North Yorkshire Mayor, the community and the company to seek, and support, alternative solutions to help the company grow without negatively impacting so many.”

Richard Prust, a director at Ian Mosey, said: “Established in 1979, the Ian Mosey Group has operated from the Blackdale site for over 45 years and now employs c. 200 colleagues. Many more livelihoods are supported indirectly through the procurement of goods and services and the network of c. 450 independent farms that it partners with. The company welcomes open dialogue with the community and its representatives as it seeks to minimise disturbance to nearby villages whilst continuing to support local employment.

“The current application is not retrospective and simply seeks to clarify Condition 2, which relates to machinery, of the 2011 consent under which the Mill operates. The application does not increase capacity or HGV movements, nor does it relax existing controls. To ensure full transparency, a barrister’s opinion is available on the Council’s public access webpage.

“If this planning application is approved, it will provide certainty for all parties and underpin the Mill’s contribution to the local economy and national food security.”