ARCHAEOLOGICAL excavations should be carried out at historic parkland before a new 500-cow dairy can go ahead, say council planners.

Plans by Kinmel Home Farm Partnership to build a dairy building and associated collecting yard on land at Kinmel Park near Bodelwyddan were discussed by members of Conwy’s planning committee.

The park contains the Grade I listed Kinmel Hall as well as three Grade II listed buildings.

The dairy building would have a floor space of 405 square metres and measure 22.5m in length and 18m in width.

The building would contain a 50-point rotary parlour for milking the cows and it is estimated the dairy would produce 5,350m² of slurry per year.

Speaking against the application, Audrey Morgan,  a neighbouring dairy farmer, said: “Kinmel Park is quoted on the Cadw website as  being an historic park of great national importance.

“This has numerous listed buildings and the one of most importance is the hall itself.

“As the parlour is in such close proximity to the hall, this will deter investment in the great hall, which would contribute to its demise.”

Planning officers had recommended that councillors vote to approve planning permission, saying: “Siting of the building is considered to be appropriate as it benefits from natural screening and sits away from the essential setting and views of the Grade I listed hall.”

Mrs Morgan suggested a mobile milking parlour could be used, limiting the need for a permanent structure.

Rhys Dafis, speaking on behalf of the applicant, said: “A mobile parlour is completely unviable.

“I hear what has been said in terms of the importance of the listed buildings that are on the park.

“There were very early discussions with Cadw and officers to make sure we get this right. All consultations are in support of the application.”

Mostyn county councillor Greg Robbins said: “One thing I do note is the archaeological remains at Ty Gobaith which are on the site.

“I do note that the applicant has submitted a scheme to engage in excavation should this be approved. I wish to have that as a condition of the application.”

Councillors on Conwy’s planning committee voted unanimously in favour of allowing the planned dairy to go ahead with the condition that archaeological investigations go ahead.