Controversial plans to build a 1,000 cow dairy on the outskirts of Welshpool could have a detrimental effect on schoolchildren’s health, it was claimed today.

Campaigners against the proposed unit at Lower Leighton Farm in Leighton, near Welshpool, claim it could lead to children being driven out of their school.

But farmer Fraser Jones, who wants to extend his existing 200 herd dairy unit to accommodate 1,000 dairy cows, said all relevant risk assessments and case studies had been carried out on the site.

And he said that unless he could expand he would be driven out of business.

Plans submitted to Powys County Council include a multi-storey parlour, livestock cubicle buildings, fodder storage building, slurry stores and a water storage tower, together with associated engineering operations, landscaping and highways improvements.

But staff, parents and governors at Leighton Primary School fear it could put children at risk.

Geoff Vine, chairman of governors, said: ” The governors, staff and parents at Leighton school have many doubts about the proposal.

“The unit will be situated about 100 yards away from the school and we are concerned about the risks it could pose to the children from the dust, flies and other odours emanating from this development. Some children already have various allergies that could also be made worse as a result.

“Several parents have already intimated that they would not want their children to attend the school if this development should go ahead. We feel that the village could end up losing its very popular school because of the development.

“We are also concerned about the visual impact on the school and village hall and the extra traffic.”

He urged residents to attend a public meeting at Leighton Primary School, to discuss the expansion plans at 7pm on Tuesday.

Mr Jones responded:”I realise that it is a sensitive site but I’ve done a lot of case studies and will do my best to answer any questions .

“Unless I expand I will become one of the many farmer’s being driven out of the industry.”