Planners give green light to Waringstown poultry shed for 32,000 hens
A planning application for the erection of a free-range poultry shed to accommodate 32,000 egg-laying hens in Waringstown has been approved.
The facility – at 94 Banbridge Road – will also include two storage sheds, a slurry tank and all associated site works.
ABC Planning officers wrote in their report that access to the site is proposed to use the existing agricultural access onto Banbridge Road which the applicant uses to access the existing farmyard.
“The poultry shed, including egg-sorting area, egg store, and loading area, will have an overall floor area of 2849 m2 and a maximum ridge height of 6.9 metres from ground level.
“The construction of this poultry shed represents a major economic investment for the applicant which is essential for the long-term survival of the existing holding.
“An intensive agriculture development of this nature will support the farm income and ensure its long-term survival.
“The form, scale, massing, finishes and overall appearance of the proposed development is similar to that of other poultry shed developments which have been approved within the council area.
“Officers are of the opinion that the character and scale of the proposed development is appropriate to its location.
“Overall, the proposal respects the rural character of the area and is of a scale that sits comfortably within its setting, aided by natural features that mitigate visual impact.
“Due to the existing natural screening and the topographical setting of the site, it is considered that the proposal visually integrates into the local landscape and additional landscaping has been provided as necessary.
“DAERA’s Water Catchment Unit (WCU) request a condition requiring that the applicant must adhere to all mitigation and disposal methods for poultry litter generated by this proposal.
“This condition will be included to ensure that the poultry litter arising from the proposal will be utilised in a sustainable manner, and to prevent any adverse impact on the aquatic environment and/or to any designated site. Officers are therefore content that the proposal will not impact on surface water environment.
“It is considered that the proposal complies with all relevant policies, and on this basis it is recommended that the application be approved.”