Agenda item

Construction of a free-range poultry unit and associated works

 

LOCAL MEMBER:    Councillor Gweno Glyn

 

Link to relevant background documents

 

 

 

 

 

 

Construction of free-range poultry unit and associated works

 

(a)  The Development Control Manager elaborated on the background of this application to construct a free-range poultry unit and associated works. The proposal would include erecting a shed with four feed storage areas and the creating an access track to connect the development with the existing farmyard. The shed would measure 135 metres long with a height to the ridge of 6.8 metres.  There would be six fans pushing up from the roof, approximately an additional metre. The shed would have a floor area of 2630 square metres for up to 32,000 egg-laying hens.  It was proposed for the external walls and roof of the shed to be box profile sheeting of a juniper green colour and the feed stores would measure approximately 3m in diameter and 6.8m high.      

 

It was noted that excavation and infilling work would take place in order to create a flat platform for the structure and a hard-standing would surround the unit.  It was proposed to plant trees on the eastern side as a screen.  It was intended to use the existing road access and a track will be created from the existing farm buildings towards the poultry unit site.  Attention was drawn to the other details regarding how the unit will operate in the first section of the report.

 

It was noted that the site was in the countryside and within the Landscape Conservation Area and the Registered Historic Landscape of Llŷn and Bardsey. The site is approximately 1km from the AONB. The unit would be located approximately 260 metres from the existing farm buildings of Crugeran and the nearest dwelling houses were approximately 350 metres away at Tre'r Ddôl.

 

Reference was made to the responses to the consultation in section 4 of the report and no objections had been received during the consultation period although the AONB Unit had expressed concern regarding the visual impact from areas of the AONB.  In addition, several correspondences in support of the scheme were received as it would be an economic boost to the local economy. 

 

It was noted that the development plan's policies supported erecting buildings for agricultural purposes if they were reasonably necessary for agricultural purposes. In this case the applicants were a family partnership who run Crugeran farm which was a 190 hectare farm focusing on beef, sheep and cereals.  It was proposed to diversify to free-range poultry and it was accepted that there was a valid agricultural purpose for the new development.   

 

The building would be detached and approximately 260 metres from the existing buildings on the holding.  This would contribute to the farm's biosecurity by separating the poultry element from the rest of the farm and the location is less visually prominent that closer sites on the existing farm. It was noted that the shed's design was of a general agricultural type but it was significantly longer.   Having said this, bearing in mind the design, materials and proposed colours together with land formation and the intention to plant a screen of trees it was not considered that the building would stand out as an incompatible feature in the landscape.  

 

Attention was drawn to the fact that there were houses in the vicinity of the site and whilst there was potential for the detrimental impact of noise, odours and dust a late response had been received from the Public Protection Unit confirming, having received additional appropriate information that the matters could be controlled via conditions.  

           

Reference was made to other matters within the report such as transportation, biodiversity, archaeology and flooding and it was considered that this was a development that meets the policies of the development plan.

 

Attention was drawn to the late observations received on the additional observations form submitted to the Committee.    

 

As a result a request was made for the right to act on the application in order that officers could approve following further discussions with the Public Protection Department to ensure appropriate conditions in order to control any possible detrimental effects.

 

     (c)   Taking advantage of the opportunity to speak, the applicant noted the following points:

 

·           The enterprise would create an additional 2 full time jobs

·           Because the market side of the agricultural industry had been so unstable in the last few years, the enterprise would reduce the risk to the existing family farm business

·           The new enterprise would strengthen the business to overcome any future problems

·           The new enterprise was exciting for the area

·           The family were willing to discuss the conditions together with the relevant officers 

 

(ch) The local member (not a member of this Planning Committee) supported the application for the following reasons:

 

·         The member welcomed an enterprise that would give opportunities to young people

·         Although there had been some doubt regarding odour, it was confirmed that the nearest house is the family farm and as part of the farm there was a 5* self-catering business and therefore they would ensure that there would be no risk of odours nor to the area's residents 

·         The family were more than willing to enter into discussions regarding conditions regarding the colours of the feed storage, growth etc. to alleviate any concerns raised

·         There were no objections from the statutory bodies 

 

(d)               It was proposed and seconded to approve the application with relevant conditions.

 

(dd) During the ensuing discussion the following points were highlighted: by individual members:

 

·         Glad to see a family venturing and creating job opportunities for local people in an area where work was scarce

·         Supportive of the application and it was in keeping with the environment

·         The equipment was modern and would mitigate any odour risks

·         It was asked if it was possible to impose a condition to plant semi-mature trees to reduce the impact on the AONB.

 

         Resolved:          To approve in accordance with the following conditions:

 

1.            Commence within five years.

2.            In accordance with the plans.

3.            The roof and external walls of the poultry unit to be of a dark

               green colour.

4.            Agree on the colour of the feed bins.

5.            Agricultural use of the building only.

6.            Complete the landscaping plan in accordance with the details

               submitted.

7.            Agree on a lighting plan

8.            Noise levels or any other relevant conditions that respond to matters raised by Public Protection.

9.           Planting of semi- mature trees as part of the landscaping.

 

 

Notes-

1.                The need for permission to culvert the water course.