Resident said the ‘smell and sight’ of a pig farm has ‘destroyed a beautiful place’

Located on the crest of Annington Hill on the South Downs Way, the farm’s sight and smell is said to have destroyed the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, but a parish council meeting held last week in Bramber and Beeding Village Hall was unable to identify a solution.

Denise McCormac, a resident on Botolphs Road, was ‘shocked’ to find a pig farm with around 150 iron corrugated shelters housing thousands of pigs built by her home last year.

“I’ve lived here for five years and was shocked to detect a bad smell and this awful yellow run off that flows into the road below.” said the 64 year-old.

“The owner is a hard working farmer, but unfortunately he’s put a blight on the area.”

Bramber parish council chairman, Roger Potter, led the meeting on January 21.

He explained: “The main issue for the residents who live close to the farm is the smell, which is very noxious.

“Also the slurry and mud coming from the hill is getting on to Annington Road. Residents are fearful it might cause obstructions.”

Mr Potter admitted that the land owner has been very cooperative and attended the meeting, but firmly believes that the farm is having a ‘detrimental impact’ on the South Downs grass land.

A part of the South Downs National Park (SDNP), the area has served as a popular spot for sightseers and horse riders.

Chief executive of SDNP, Trevor Beattie, said: “In this particular case we have visited the site and are working closely with the farmer and local authorities to monitor the situation.”

Although many residents were able to voice their opinion both in support and against the pig farm, Mr Potter said it is hard to know what the solution would be. “The farmer is doing nothing wrong.” he affirmed.

Mrs MCcormac concurred: “I don’t know the solution, but a beautiful place has been destroyed.”

The County Times has attempted to contact the farmer for a comment but at the time of going to press had been unable to do so.