Issue - meetings

The Chairman introduced the only application of the evening, number 142026, to erect 1no. free range poultry unit with ancillary feed silos, generator, hardstanding and access on land at Naylors Hill, Newark Road, Laughterton. He reiterated that Councillor J. Ellis was to speak as Ward Member and as such would leave the meeting once she had addressed the Committee. The Principal Development Management Officer confirmed there were no updates to the report. He highlighted that the application was for an egg laying operation and that concerns regarding potential odour or animal welfare issues were not material considerations. The Chairman explained there were two registered speakers, the first of whom, the Agent for the Applicant, had submitted a statement. The Democratic Services and Civic Officer read aloud the following statement.

“This letter outlines comments in support of the above application (agenda item 6a) for consideration of the 31st March 2021 Planning Committee.

The proposed development will facilitate expansion of P. A. Arden & Son’s established free range egg production business, which currently includes farms located near Newton on Trent, North Harby and Drinsey Nook. The proposed 32,000 bird free range unit will be accompanied by over 40 acres of pasture and newly planted mixed woodland ranging area. The farming operation will be associated with ‘RSPCA Freedom Foods’, which seeks to promote the highest animal welfare standards. Happy healthy hens typically range and forage more effectively in these expansive semi-natural environments, thus reliably producing richer eggs on a daily basis.

It is acknowledged that local residents have expressed concerns over the potential impact of the scheme upon the local highway network and levels of amenity afforded by neighbouring land users. In this context, it is emphasised that the application site was selected and carefully screened to appraise the development’s environmental impact at the outset of the project. This initial process included comprehensive atmospheric dispersion modelling in order to ensure that neighbouring land users would be protected from odour nuisance and outlying habitat land safeguarded from nitrogen deposition. Consideration was given to potential trip generation and vehicle routing. The siting of the unit was examined with regard to the prevention of noise disturbance, the minimisation of flood risk and mitigation of visual impact.

On this basis, it can be stated with great confidence that the proposed development will not give rise to any significant adverse environmental effects. The new unit will utilise an advanced climate control system synonymous with a low noise signature, excellent odour reduction and creation of a dry internal environment unsuitable for fly breeding. The interior of the building will be integrated with manure conveyor belt removal systems, which enable rapid cleaning twice per week. The manure is a valuable fertiliser that will be sold to and collected by local farmers utilising tractors with covered trailers. There is simply no requirement for manure to be stored on-site or near any outlying settlement. Local residents will neither hear nor smell the poultry farm.

Despite concerns expressed by the local community,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 120