Angus Council: Plans for sheds housing 64,000 chickens approved despite over 200 objections
Plans for sheds housing 64,000 chickens approved despite over 200
Plans for two sheds which will house 64,000 chickens in Angus have been approved by council chiefs – despite over 200 objections.
The bid was lodged by Craignathro Eggs Ltd, with the development to be built on land west of Easter Meathie Farm just outside Forfar.
The two sheds would be 110 metres long and 24 metres wide – with each shed capable of holding 32,000 birds.
Craignathro already operates a 32,000-capacity shed built in a million-pound farm expansion around five years ago.
And with the bid approved, the farm’s poultry capacity will increase by close to 100,000.
As well as the two proposed sheds, the plans include feed silos, an egg packaging facility, vehicular access and access tracks.
However, the development sparked outrage – racking up over 200 objections.
Over 200 objections
Concerns raised included worries over flooding, amenity, the impact on the natural environment and its visual impact on the landscape.
During the meeting one objector, Mike Cumming said: “I believe the adverse effects of this development have been significantly underplayed.
“Particularly relating to the flood risk and resulting pollution.”
Another objector, Douglas Watt added: “This proposal will impact greatly on our quality of life.
“We will be subjected to all the emissions and noise from the sheds, the traffic and the hens.”
Bid approved by councillors
Despite the objections, the bid was recommended for approval by council chiefs.
SNP councillor Brenda Durno said: “The world is changing and things are changing.
“I think sometimes we have to move forward with more technical ideas than maybe we have done before in agriculture.
“We have to move forward with these and not be afraid of what’s in front of us.”
Committee convener David Cheape added: “I had initial apprehension for this application for all the reasons in the objection s but also gut feel if you like.
“But a number of my concerns have been mitigated this morning.”
Not all councillors favoured the bid
However, not all councillors were in agreement over the proposed sheds – with some sharing concerns over potentially flooding.
Brechin councillor Chris Beattie moved a motion for refusal.
He said: “With regard to my concerns, I am also worried about the loss of amenity for the area. I’m worried about the potential for pollution locally.
“My comments on this are, given the opportunity I would move to refuse this.”
Depute Provost Linda Clark added: “The right development in the right place for me is supreme – and I don’t see that here.”
The bid was approved with seven voting in favour of the application and 3 against.