Disused chicken shed could be converted into five homes
An old chicken shed near Bath could be turned into five new homes if plans for its development are approved.
The large barn is one of a pair located off Langfords Lane in High Littleton and has been made redundant by changes to the egg production industry. Its owners, RW and AW Stratton hope to change its use from agricultural to residential and convert it into homes.
“Lower shed” was built in the 1980s from concrete blockwork and timber cladding. The roof is made from corrugated metal sheets supported by timber purlins. It can be accessed by a track leading off Langfords Lane and has between four and five doors at present.
RW Stratton Farm Partnership is a family farming enterprise which manages around 800 acres of land. The barn was built in the 1980s to rear young chickens, or pullets, along with an associated egg production facility at Manor Farm, Burnett.
The applicant explained that the national egg production business was “undergoing significant structural change”.
“Marks and Spencer, Sainsbury’s, Waitrose and the Co-op have stopped purchasing eggs from caged facilities and now only purchase free-range eggs. All the other major supermarkets have confirmed that they will be purchasing free-range eggs only from 2025.
“The purchasing decisions of supermarkets have already led to a reduction in prices for eggs from caged hens as freehold production nationally is ramping up to meet demand. The purchasing decision is also impacting the egg processing sector for ingredients from companies such as Hellmans.
“RW Stratton Farm Partnership has investigated the feasibility of converting their egg production facility at Manor Farm to a free-range operation. However, this is not possible due to the undulating site topography, drainage properties and issues such as pests and odour.”
Now that the egg production facility at Manor Farm has closed, there is no need to rear pullets in the sheds. If plans for their development are approved, the upper barn would be removed and so would some of the lower shed, to allow for its conversion.
The five homes would be made to look like a “modern agricultural building” from afar - each with its own garden and two parking spaces. You can view the planning application until October 5 at www.bathnes.gov.uk