A CONTROVERSIAL super dairy in Mid Wales has been granted planning permission, despite council officers recommending it be refused.

Powys County Council's planning committee voted 6-4 in favour of approving the application by farmer Frazer Jones 'subject to further reports on outstanding issues'.

Fraser Jones plans to build one of the first such parlours in Wales for 1,000 cattle at Leighton near Welshpool.

Cllr Gillian Thomas said: "The visual impact from Powis Castle and other areas of Welshpool will not be as bad as the impact created by the industrial estate and business parks already built."

Cllr Gwilym Evans added: "We are looking to the future. This is countryside that is used for farming."

Campaigner Holly Dyer was disgusted by the decision, calling the planning officers a disgrace before leaving the meeting in floods of tears.

More in this week's County Times.