New poultry unit plans to house 16,000 hens lodged
FRESH plans have been lodged for a free-range poultry unit near Llandeilo which could house 16,000 hens.
It is the third time Terry Davies has applied for such a venture, having previously sought permission for a unit at the same location in 2016 and 2018.
Both of those plans were double in size and wanted to house 32,000 hens.
Planning permission was rejected for the second time in 2018 by Carmarthenshire Council planning committee.
At the time, the council cited an objection by Natural Resources Wales (NRW) regarding airborne pollution from the unit which identified its effect on the Dinefwr Estate more than 1,500m away, which is classed as an area of Special Scientific Interest (SSI).
There were concerns over manure and potential ammonia and nitrogen from the poultry unit went ahead.
Naturalist and broadcaster Iolo Williams also objected in 2018 and said: “It is madness to allow a chicken farm to be built in such a sensitive part of rural Carmarthenshire.”
Now the new plans lodged, while having half the hen capacity, aim to install feed bins, together with upgrading of existing field access, highway junction improvements and all other associated works.
The proposed unit is 73m by 19.75m and would if it operate 24 hours seven days a week.
The planning application argues Mr Davies is confident the poultry unit would be a success and provide a sustainable future for his family.
If approved, construction would start this year and the unit operational after a three month construction period.
A report prepared by land and property professionals a day, Roger Parry and Partners said the poultry unit would “make maximum use of the topography of the land making sure that the building is not visually intrusive”.
It added: “The farm business is proposing to erect a free-range poultry unit on the land to the north of Glanmyddyfi, Pentrefelin for the accommodation of 16,000 birds, which is a considerable investment by the farming business.
“It has been researched thoroughly and the business is adamant that the enterprise will be successful, which is why Mr Davies is once again pursing the application, having addressed all the concerns of the statutory consultees.”
Turning concerns from the to previous over manure site, the report said: “Of concern in previous applications has been the manner in which manure is being dealt with.
“The application confirms that no poultry manure will be applied to the 42 acres of land owned by Mr Davies.”
The plans will be discussed by Carmarthenshire Council planning committee in the near future.