A MAJOR Cornwall food manufacturer could soon expand the amount of cheese it produces as part of plans to improve its production process.

Saputo Dairy UK manufactures Davidstow Cheddar and Cathedral City cheese at its plant at Davidstow Creamery.

As part of its proposals to increase production, proposals have been issued for a new environmental permit, with the Environment Agency stating it is minded to allow it subject to a public consultation.

The dairy giant has previously been the subject to issues with water pollution, noise and odour at the site, with the Environment Agency stating that the company has worked hard to drive improvements since being named as a persistently poorly performing site in a previous year’s chief regulator’s report.

It is believed that the new permit would introduce tigher controls to protect people and the environment. In the plans, cheese production would be increased and there would be a removal of demineralised whey production.

Furthermore, the new permit if approved would include new emissions limits and monitoring for wastewater discharge into the River Inny in addition to formalising other measures.

A spokesperson for the Environment Agency said: “The Environment Agency has proposed a new permit for Dairy Crest Ltd (known as Saputo Dairy UK) to introduce environmental improvements.

“A consultation has been launched so that the public can have their say on the proposals.

“The permit variation will also allow the creamery to increase cheese production through improvements in the production process.

“The Environment Agency is minded to issue the new permit. This means that the agency thinks the draft permit is ready to be issued but we will not make the final decision until we have considered all comments carefully.

“Saputo operates the creamery under an installations permit issued by the Environment Agency, which includes the discharge of treated water into the River Inny, a tributary of the River Tamar.

“The site produces dairy products including cheese and whey.

“There have been previous issues with water pollution, noise and odour at the site, and the Environment Agency cited the creamery as a persistently poorly performing site in the 2024-25 chief regulator’s report. The agency has worked hard to drive improvements, and has seen significant progress at the site.

“The proposed permit introduces tighter controls to protect people and the environment with the new draft permit includes an increase in cheese production proposed by Saputo and removes demineralised whey production.

“It also includes new emissions limits and monitoring for wastewater discharge. The new draft permit also formalises noise and odour mitigation measures.The Environment Agency is now seeking views from the local community and interested groups on the draft permit.”

Chris James, industry regulation team leader at the Environment Agency said: “We initiated this permit review to bring about environmental improvements and protect the River Inny.

“The new permit will reduce the site’s impact on the environment, whilst allowing the company to grow their operations and benefit the local economy.”

The consultation closes on February 13 and is available on the Environment Agency website.