A CONSULTATION surrounding controversial plans for the expansion of a creamery in Davidstow has been extended in an effort to give residents a say in the plans.

Saputo Dairy UK manufactures Davidstow Cheddar and Cathedral City cheese at its Davidstow Creamery plant.

As part of its proposals to increase production, the company is looking for a new environmental permit, with the Environment Agency stating it is ‘minded to allow it subject to a public consultation’.

The dairy giant has previously been subject to issues with water pollution, noise and odour at the site, with the Environment Agency stating that the company has worked hard to drive improvements since being named as a ‘persistently poorly performing site’ in a previous year’s chief regulator’s report.

The public consultation was initially planned to conclude on February 13, however, the Environment Agency has stated that it is extending its deadline for responses.

Commenting on the decision, an Environment Agency spokesperson explained: “We have listened to your feedback and decided to extend our consultation on the Dairy Crest Limited proposed permit variation and draft decision document, by a further two weeks.

“Following conversations with some of you, we understand that you would like more time to consider the technical information included in the draft permit. We have therefore extended the consultation until February 27, 2026.”

It is believed that the new permit would introduce tighter controls to protect people and the environment. In the plans, cheese production would be increased and there would be a removal of demineralised whey production.

If approved, the new permit would include new emissions limits and monitoring for wastewater discharge into the River Inny in addition to formalising other measures.

The spokesperson for the Environment Agency said: “The Environment Agency has proposed a new permit for Dairy Crest Ltd (known as Saputo Dairy UK) to introduce environmental improvements.

“The permit variation will also allow the creamery to increase cheese production through improvements in the production process.

“The Environment Agency is minded to issue the new permit. This means that the agency thinks the draft permit is ready to be issued but we will not make the final decision until we have considered all comments carefully.”

After the consultation period has ended, the organisation will be expected to review responses before deciding an outcome.

A spokesperson continued: “We will then review all the comments received before deciding whether to issue the varied environmental permit. We will write to you again to inform you when the consultation closes, and again to inform you of our decision. If we decide to refuse the variation, or they consider any conditions we impose are unreasonable, Dairy Crest Limited has the right to appeal this decision.”

To comment on the draft permit and draft decision document visit consult.environment-agency.gov.uk/psc/pl32-9xw-dairy-crest-limited-epr-bn6137ik-v013

Alternatively, people can send their comments using the online consultation portal, Citizen Space, or by email to [email protected] or by post to: Environment Agency Permitting and Support Centre, Land Team, Quadrant 2, 99 Parkway Avenue, Sheffield, S9 4WF.