Plans for a controversial egg farm with 32,000 hens in Laughterton have been unanimously approved by district councillors.
P A Arden & Son submitted plans in November 2020 for a free range poultry unit to be built on 16 hectares of land at Naylors Hills off Newark Road.
However, a decision was delayed in February 2021 after more than 40 objections were received and a PETA petition with over 13,000 signatures to stop plans was submitted.
On Wednesday evening 11 councillors voted in favour of the new egg farm in West Lindsey District Council’s Planning Committee.
The unit is set to be 27m in width and 111m in length, with a maximum height of 7.35m. 1,000 trees, including oak, will also planted.
In 2019, a new agricultural access road was approved in preparation for the egg farm.
George Backovic, a planning officer for West Lindsey District Council said the application has “excited a considerable amount of interest beyond the district.”
The poultry unit would be built on land off Newark Road. | Photo: Google Streetview
Cllr Mrs Jane Ellis said: “I am aware that this is a contentious application […] I’m also aware that animal welfare issues have been raised, but I realise this is not a material consideration. I understand this, but this is an emotional consideration.”
Councillor Mrs Judy Rainsforth said: “We always get a lot of bother every time a poultry farm rears its head, yet the majority like to eat chickens and the eggs.”
She added: “I’m afraid a few chickens strutting around in a farmyard just isn’t going to do it, we need these places.”
The PETA petition was based on animal welfare concerns. It said: “Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the last thing the UK needs is another animal farm.
“The proposed facility would likely be a breeding ground for bird flu and could pose an immense risk to public health.”
Aerial photo with layout plan depicting the unit with surrounding landscape.
Mr Oliver Grundy, the agent for the application said: “The farming operation will be associated with our recipes to make freedom foods, which seek to promote the highest animal welfare standards.”
It was said in the meeting that more jobs will be created on site and existing jobs on the farm will be supported.
Previously, objectors said the proposals would cause smells and increase traffic, noise and pollution, ruining the character of the area.
However, the plans say it will not have an effect on the air quality or highways.
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We are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage after a collision caused serious injuries to a 23-year-old man.
Just before 3.30pm yesterday (2 July), we received reports of a collision on Barholm Road in Tallington. It involved a grey BMW 335D estate, a blue BMW 116D and an orange KTM motorcycle.
The motorcycle rider, a 23-year-old man, sustained serious injuries during the collision and was taken to hospital.
If you witnessed the incident and are yet to get in touch with us, please do so. If you have any other information or dashcam footage available that may have captured the road along the A1175 at the time of the collision, get in touch.
By calling 101 quoting incident 282 of 2 July.
By emailing [email protected] quoting incident 282 of 2 July in the subject line.
If you wish to remain anonymous, you can report via the independent charity CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.
The 2022 Destination Lincolnshire Tourism Excellence Awards are open for applications, and Destination Lincolnshire giving you the rare chance to co-create your application with Nell Barrington, a tourism awards veteran, who has helped hundreds of businesses write winning applications over the last 15 years – including national VisitEngland winners.
The Tourism Awards Masterclass is taking place on Tuesday 12 July at 11am for one-hour online. Laura Freer, Head of Marketing at Destination Lincolnshire said: “This is a golden opportunity, after years of hard work and heartache, to get your business and team recognised and rewarded.
“A well written application is key to achieving a coveted place on this year’s shortlist, and I’d encourage all tourism and visitor economy businesses who are thinking of entering – whether they are seasoned at writing award applications or not – to join us for this exclusive masterclass.
“Nell Barrington has worked with us and VisitEngland on the founding application processes of these awards, and she is perfectly placed to assist in co-creating applications that you can be proud of. This is a great opportunity for business development too – whether you are shortlisted for an award or not – discovering how to effectively apply for awards and talk up your business adds another string to your bow.
“Booking is essential and places are limited to just 35 – so be quick! This year we’ve made our masterclass available to partners and also to those who we are yet to work with for free. Call it an added bonus, after two years away from the awards circuit.
The awards masterclass is focussed on the application process, and it will spell out what the judges are looking for. You’ll learn how to make your application stand out from the local competition, helping your chances of going through to the national VisitEngland Awards in 2023.”
There are fifteen categories open for nominations from visitors attraction, accommodation providers, hospitality businesses and many more.
The deadline for nominations is July 29, with online judging starting on July 30 and mystery shopping from August 13. Finalists will be announced on Monday, August 15.
The awards ceremony will be held at the Engine Shed on October 21, and will be hosted by Lincs FM presenter, John Marshall.
The event is organised by Stonebow Media, publishers of The Lincolnite, to celebrate the best businesses in Greater Lincolnshire, alongside headline sponsors Lincoln College and Destination Lincolnshire.
We would also like to thank our other sponsors Visit Lincolnshire, Heart of Lincs, Duncan and Toplis and LNER, insight6 and EV Camel.
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