Plans for 200,000-bird chicken farm near Newtown approved
A 200,000-bird chicken farm near Newtown has been given the green light by planners.
The application to Powys County Council for a meat producing broiler unit development between Kerry and Glanmule, was made by Geraint Powell of Glanmiheli Farm.
It will replace the free range hen egg-laying business at the farm.
Principal planning officer Tamsin Law, said in her report: “The proposal, involves the construction of three poultry sheds, feed bins, hardstanding and access works and would clearly represent a significant change to the application site.
“The development would result in the loss of a larger field, and the encroachment of development into the open countryside.
“She added that it was expected that they would be 7.6 crop cycles a year which would mean an extra 973 vehicle movements a year.
Ms Law believed this would would work out as approximately an additional four trips per day, but due to improved access to the site this was deemed acceptable.
“Having considered all statutory consultee responses, and its potential impact upon the amenity and character of the area in this locality the application is recommended for approval subject to conditions.”
Three sheds of 97.5m long by 24.3m wide will be built.
The current 104.6m by 19.7m building that accommodates the free range hens will be converted.
Cleaned
Day-old chicks will be brought to Glanmiheli and reared for 37 days before being taken to a meat processing factory.
The cycle would then begin again once the buildings are thoroughly cleaned and readied for the next batch.
In a planning, design and access statements supporting the application, agent Nick Williams of Berry’s property, business, planning, said that the development would allow the family’s “younger generation” to stay at home and farm.
It would help shelter the family from the volatility of cattle and sheep prices, that they also rear at the 540-acre farm.
Mr Williams said: “Flexibility is vital in ensuring the longevity of the family business.”
“To help ensure the viability of the farming business for future generations it is proposed to replace the existing free range unit with a broiler chicken unit.
“The proposed site is on the existing free range unit which has one large accommodation building plus the ranging area.”
The planning statement added that there was already an anaerobic digester at the farm, which uses with livestock manure.
In June 2019, Kerry Community Council discussed the application and decided to support it.
