BATTLE lines have been drawn again after a company reapplied to build a giant pig farm near Foston.

Midland Pig Producers plans to use slurry from 2,500 animals housed at the 28-hectare site to generate electricity for the National Grid.

But animal rights activists say they will fight the plans.

The pig farmers previously applied for planning permission to South Derbyshire District Council and a public consultation drew more than 2,800 objections.

But Derbyshire County Council took over when it became clear the plans involve "substantial waste management" – part of the authority's remit.

A new consultation has now been launched and everyone living within two-and-a-half miles of the site, west of Woodland Drive, will be asked for their views.

Justin Kerswell, campaign manager for animal welfare group Viva, said a protest was "very possible" but was unlikely to involve picketing the land. He said it could involve a street protest or the group's giant mascot "Piggles" visiting Foston.

Mr Kerswell said the group might use social networking site Facebook to mobilise support.

He said: "We are concerned about whether any farm on that scale could satisfy the welfare needs of the animals.

"These are intelligent creatures who naturally live in woodland. We hope the council takes a very dim view of this proposal."

Sue Weston, 43, lives next door to the site with her family. She said: "Everyone in the area is against it. We are worried about smells, noise and the effect it could have on our health.

"An estate agent has told us we won't be able to sell our house if a pig farm moves next door."

A county council spokeswoman said comments made during the previous consultation would be summarised for its planning committee.

But she encouraged anyone with concerns to put them in writing before the consultation closed on May 13.

The spokeswoman said: "There will be notices in local papers and information on our website."

A Midland Pig Producers spokeswoman said that, if permission was granted, construction would begin in 2012 and take about a year.

She said: "The plans have not changed from the proposals originally submitted to South Derbyshire District Council, which took into account the feedback from our consultation with local residents."

To comment on the plans, write to Strategic Director of Environmental Services, Derbyshire County Council, Shand House, Dale Road South, Matlock, Derbyshire, DE4 3RY, or visit the council's website.