Anglesey Sea Zoo has expressed its disappointment and frustration after learning that Halen Mo?n, a neighbouring business, plans to construct a new smokery adjacent to the zoo. The two prominent Anglesey businesses have been engaged in a dispute over emissions from Halen Mo?n’s current smokery, despite the fact that it has received a clean bill of health from council experts.
The new, purpose-built smokery, like its predecessor, will be a single-storey building. As well as housing production, packaging, and storage facilities, it will have roof-mounted solar panels that will complement the recently installed 100kw solar array at the Brynsiencyn site. Halen Mo?n (Anglesey Sea Salt) has stated that the new smokery will provide “improved operational efficiency” and facilitate future product development.
However, the Sea Zoo’s owner, Frankie Hobro, has denounced the announcement, claiming that many in the local community share her concerns. Ms Hobro has alleged that emissions from Halen Mo?n’s existing smokery produce a “horrible” smell that lingers over the village and is deterring visitors. In response, she has initiated a local campaign, which she says has garnered widespread support.
A public meeting is being organized in the village, and two petitions are being launched. She is also awaiting a response from Anglesey Council, which she says could potentially lead to a complaint being escalated to Planning and Environment Decisions Wales (PEDW). She said: “Now that Halen Mo?n has revealed plans for a new smokery, we are far more concerned than we were before. We hope the company will be able to guarantee testing for all gases at the facility, not just particulates, and will install additional equipment if safety levels are being exceeded. So far we’ve not been able to get assurances.”
Halen Mo?n began its artisan smokery business in 2008 with smoked sea salt. The company later introduced products such as its Great Taste-winning Oak Smoked Water. To meet increasing demand, Halen Mo?n secured planning permission for an upgraded smokery in July 2022. This was granted on the condition that Halen Mo?n ensured that “any concentration of air pollutants in the vicinity is minimised and to protect the amenity of the locality, especially for people living and working nearby”.
An electrostatic precipitator was to be installed to remove fine particles, along with a nine-metre flue to disperse emissions. Following concerns raised by Anglesey Sea Zoo, a year-long emissions study was initiated by Anglesey Council, which found no cause for concern. There is no suggestion that planning or emissions regulations are being breached.
Ms Hobro claimed that “acrid” smoke is still looming over her tourist attraction and nearby properties, leading to people gagging and experiencing irritation in their eyes. She has demanded the closure of the smokery. “We’ve had panicked phone calls from residents since the announcement was made,” she said.
Halen Mo?n has expressed its perspective, expressing concern about the dispute potentially tarnishing its reputation, and highlighting the planned environmentally friendly features of the new smokery. The company emphasized its commitment to sustainable practices and meeting air quality standards. Construction of the new smokery is scheduled to commence soon.
The ongoing conflict between Anglesey Sea Zoo and Halen Mo?n underscores the challenges faced when balancing business development with environmental concerns in a close-knit community. The outcome of this dispute will likely impact not just the two businesses involved but also the larger community and the natural beauty of Anglesey.
Overall, the situation highlights the need for transparent communication, thorough assessment of potential impacts, and collaboration between stakeholders to find mutually beneficial solutions. As this story continues to unfold, it serves as a reminder of the importance of sustainable business practices and environmental stewardship in preserving the unique charm and appeal of places like Anglesey.