32,000 chicken poultry shed backed by planners

Planners have backed proposals for a chicken shed that would house up to 32,000 free range birds in one of the biggest developments of its kind on Anglesey.

The planned egg production facility at Cae Mawr, Llannerch-y-Medd, had attracted opposition from animal rights activists after 18,000 people signed a PETA backed petition last year.

But after being offered reassurances that the measures would mitigate any environmental impact, planning committee members went with the advice of professional officers and supported the plans when meeting on Wednesday (September 1).

Cllr John Griffith described the size of the facility – 68.6 metres long with a 10 metre wide egg room – as “something you’d expect on an industrial estate but not the open countryside.”

He also echoed local concerns over an expected increase in traffic.

But Gail Jenkins, speaking on behalf of applicants Robert and Kim Evans, said that local concerns had been taken into account with the plans including improvement to road access and that the “state of the art” facility would meet and exceed existing requirements.

She added that a sealed manure store would mean no discharge would find its way into watercourses or nearby Llyn Alaw.

Approval came despite the opposition of bodies such as Llannerch-y-Medd Community Council, with members fearing the environmental impact, potential  increase in traffic and highways safety concerns.

As well as the petition organised by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA),  31 letters of objection had been received on the basis of factors including the potential impact on tourism, the environment, landscape and an increase in traffic.

Calling for the plans to be scrapped, they said that such action would “spare thousands of birds a lifetime of suffering and an agonising death” at what they described as a “chicken prison.”

Statutory bodies, however, recommended conditional approval including Natural Resources Wales and the authority’s Ecological and Environmental Advisor.

Cllr Aled Morris-Jones, who backed the applicants, said that the plans would help a third generation farming family to diversify and urged members to back the locals in their efforts.

Cllr Ken Hughes, meanwhile, argued that any refusal by the planning committee would likely lead to a successful appeal down the line.

According to the applicants, the approved 3,200 square metre development  will create two jobs.
The planning officers’ report stated, “On balance it is considered that the proposed development respect the main thrust of planning policy by providing an economic opportunity within the open countryside by also protecting the environment. The proposed development also proposes ecology and landscape enhancements.

“Careful consideration has been given to the impact upon neighbouring properties, however it is not considered that the proposed development will have an impact upon these residential properties.”

By Gareth Williams – Local Democracy Reporter