PLANS are in the pipeline to construct a new dairy cow cubicle at a farm.

Flintshire Council has received a planning application for the proposed development, a 'high comfort' cow cubicle at Argoed Hall Farm in Mynydd Isa.

According to the design and access statement submitted with the application, the farm, which is private land carries a herd of 220 dairy cows with 120 dairy replacements.

The application, if successful, will allow more of the existing herd of dairy cows at present "housed in less than ideal conditions" to be re-housed in 21st century accommodation.

The design and access statement adds: "The applicant is applying to to construct a new cubicle to alleviate overcrowding in the existing cubicle buildings.

"It is now envisaged that herd numbers will increase.

"The building uses as much natural daylight as possible and artificial lighting will be kept to a minimum and utilise low energy systems.

"It is specifically designed to produce as stress free an environment for the cows to behave naturally and the specifications equal or exceed all relevant EU, Welsh Government and DEFRA legislation."

The statement adds: "Many dairy buildings in recent years have provided inadequate space for cows and modern farm machinery and have had to be replaced or enlarged long before the end of their natural life.

"Great care has been taken to ensure that the building has a long lifespan, both in terms of materials used and also adaptability for future dairy farming.

"Within the site, care has been taken provide clean areas of movement for staff and visitors and when in livestock areas the surfaces will be as non slip as practical to maintain safety for stock and humans."

Consultation on the proposals is open until April 6.

Flintshire Council's planning committee will then make a decision on the application at a later date.