RESIDENTS in Easton Grey near Malmesbury, are apprehensive after a significant extension to a site at Church Farm was given the nod of approval.

The plans include a new dairy parlour, a farm management dwelling, a heifer shed, a grain store and dryer, a straw barn and an anaerobic digester.

On first glance, local residents may feel a pang of fear about what a farm extension of this size will do to the area.

To someone who doesn’t know what it is, the idea of an ‘anaerobic digester’ being built near their home will likely sound ominous.

The site is in an area of outstanding beauty, so people are rightly determined to keep it so, but the organic farm owner insists the environment is his first priority.

The council were sure to put a number of tight conditions on the plans, which the owner has said he will adhere to, but some people will have wanted them to go further.

Many residents will not doubt be keeping an eye on the site to see how it develops.