Issue - meetings

The first application of the evening was introduced for Members’ consideration. Planning application number 141263 for erection of 1no. poultry rearing unit with ancillary feed silos, hardstanding and access, Sykes Lane, Saxilby. The Senior Development Management Officer stated that the applicant had submitted details on the HGV movements to and from the site. It was stated that there was no intention for there to be movement during unsocial hours. The busiest week would be week 16 of the cycle and there would be two HGVS each day carrying 16,000 birds a day. There would be no HGV activity before 7am nor any late evening activity. At all other times the HGV activity would be during normal working hours.

The Chairman invited the first speak to address the Committee.

Councillor Liz Hillman, of Saxilby Parish Council, thanked the Chairman and detailed the landscape and character of Saxilby. She explained that Sykes Lane started in Saxilby and was popular with families, cyclists and dog walkers, particularly during the recent restrictions on day to day life. She stated that it added leisure amenity to the area and with a nature project due to open in spring 2021, was only going to become ever more popular with residents and visitors alike. Councillor Hillman stated that the use of the lane by lorries, and the route through the village, would have a significantly negative impact on the area and the use of the lane for local residents. She explained that the HGVs would cause the roads to become damaged and unsafe and that the road itself was not suitable due to the number of blind bends and narrow lane. She stated that the application was not in accordance with the Neighbourhood Plan with regards to improving health and wellbeing and minimising impact on the natural environment. She again highlighted the impact of the traffic on the village and use of the lane and requested the Committee to refuse planning permission.

The second speaker, Mr Oliver Grundy, Agent for the Applicant, had submitted a statement to be read aloud and the Chairman invited the Democratic Services Officer to do so.

This letter outlines comments in support of the above application, which are presented to the 14th October 2020 Planning Committee for consideration.

The proposed development comprises a farm diversification scheme. It will allow applicants’ P. A. Arden and Son to rear chickens required to supply their portfolio of local free range egg production farms. The purchasing of new hen colonies is one of the largest overheads with 32,000 birds typically costing in excess of £100,000. P A Arden & Son Ltd have identified that the long term commercial viability and profitability of their established free range egg production enterprise will be enhanced through diversification into poultry rearing.

At present, chickens at point of lay are purchased from remote suppliers and transported a considerable distance to free range farms near Newton on Trent, Thorney and North Harby. The proposed development will localise the rearing  ...  view the full minutes text for item 52