THERE are plans for a new free-range egg chicken unit at a farm near Ross-on-Wye.
Robert Bowen wants permission from Herefordshire Council to build the new unit at Northgate Farm in St Weonards.
He runs traditional livestock enterprises including cattle and sheep and in 2017 the farm diversified into free-range egg production and built a 32,000-bird free-range egg laying unit.
Mr Bowen wants to expand this part of the farm by building an extra unit which will house 16,000 laying hens.
The applicants are in the process of applying to the Environment Agency for a permit as this new development would take the free-range egg units above the 40,000 bird threshold.
MORE NEWS:
- Girl hit by car suffers 'potentially life-changing injuries'
- Watch the Three Counties Farming Award on Facebook
The scheme covers a total floor area of 21,204.9 sq ft and the development includes two feed bins, a heat exchanger, hardstanding areas and an underground dirty water containment tank.
Consultants working on the scheme say the proposed free-range hen house is of agricultural appearance, with polyester coated profile sheet walls and roof.
They say the proposed scheme is compliant with national and local planning policies.
People have until December 17 to comment on the proposals which the county council is expected to consider in February.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel