Plans for a huge chicken farm near Grantham with capacity for 270,000 birds has finally been given the go ahead
despite previously been turned down
Last updated 14th Apr 2021
Plans for a huge chicken farm near Grantham with capacity for 270,000 birds has finally been given the go ahead despite previously been turned down.
Councillors initially rejected the application for Great Ponton last year agreeing with some of the criticisms such as the impact on the landscape. But the applicant resubmitted the proposals which were passed this morning.
It was initially rejected
South Kesteven District Council initially rejected the proposals in February 2020 due to concerns from the Woodland Trust over the impact of ammonia on a nearby ancient woodland.
Plans for the chicken farm were approved in South Kesteven’s Planning Committee on Wednesday and will see a six-shed farm built at High Dike, in Great Ponton.
Elisa Allen, PETA UK’s director previously said: “South Kesteven District Council has a duty to the taxpaying public, not to a bullying business that will bring misery and death to thousands of sensitive animals – it’s that simple.”
PETA gifted the council a vegan hamper as thanks for rejecting initial proposals.
Developers RSK ADAS Ltd said: “The proposed development is needed to meet an existing market demand for UK sourced poultry.
“It is economically and environmentally preferable to meet this demand through diversification of developing new sites, such as at land near Railway Farm, which will breathe new industry into the rural economy of Grantham.”
Compared to 144 objections and a 25,000 signature petition last year, only around 13 households have raised concerns to this development.
Meanwhile at the end of March this year, West Lindsey District Council approved an egg farm with 32,000 hens in Laughterton.
The changes in the new plan included
New landscaping details – setting out tree planting across the site including planting 1,710 trees.
There were also additional reports included in the submission, such as a heritage assessment - looking at the impact on the Church of the Holy Cross, Great Ponton.
A Woodland Appraisal, concluded that the woodlands near the site are healthy and any ammonia emissions will not cause health issues to the ancient woodlands.
Botanical Appraisal – to establish the current botanical quality of the woodlands and to assess the implications of airborne emissions. Concludes that it is highly unlikely that ammonia will have any effect