National Trust chiefs are opposing controversial plans for a “super dairy” in Mid Wales – because they fear it could spoil the view from Powis Castle.

Farmer Fraser Jones has submitted plans to build a 1,000 cattle dairy unit at Lower Leighton Farm, on the outskirts of Welshpool. The National Trust owns Powis Castle.

The trust fears the plan will have a “significant visual impact” on the castle. It says the castle is designed to have a “commanding view over the Severn Valley”.

However, Mr Jones said other farm buildings and factories could already be seen from the castle and he intends to plant trees to screen the dairy.

A spokesman for the National Trust, today said: “The National Trust has objected to the proposed development of a ‘super dairy’ at Lower Leighton Farm because of its potentially significant visual impact on the setting of the land and buildings in our care at Powis Castle.

“The castle and gardens were designed to have a commanding view over the Severn Valley at Welshpool — views that are enjoyed by some 110,000 visitors every year.

“Despite proposals to screen the new buildings with trees Powis Castle is in an elevated position and we do not believe this will reduce the visual impact to an acceptable level.

“Consequently we suggest that the development should be refused.”

Mr Jones’s milking parlour would be one of the first of its type in Wales and could house up to 1,000 cows.

He claims that it would improve milking conditions.

Mr Jones said: “I have employed an architect to draw an impression of what the building would look like from Powis Castle, close up and from a distance.

“It shows what the trees would look like from year one to year five.

“I am set to pass these details to the National Trust.”

Mr Jones added: “Various other farm buildings and factories can already be seen from Powis Castle and they’ve been there for years.”

The plans for the dairy have already come under fire from residents, who fear it could spark the end of Leighton School – as parents worry it will increase smell, noise and traffic.

By Andrew Morris