Best-laid plans as JCB set to build new shed for hens

Farm branch of digger giants looking to contruct building on farmland near quarry

THE erection of an agricultural building for use as a hen laying shed has been proposed in Cauldon Lowe by JCB.

A planning application has been submitted to Staffordshire Moorlands District Council for the building by John Reid of JCB Farms Ltd.

The building, proposed at JCB Wardlow, Ashbourne Road, Rue Hill, Cauldon Low, measures 25 metres by nine metres, with a ridge height of 2.5 metres and an eaves height of 3.9 metres.

A covering letter produced on behalf of the applicant by Jon Imber of JMI Planning in Uttoxeter, said: “JCB Farms requires a laying shed in connection with its poultry enterprise based at Wardlow. The holding at Wardlow extends to some 11 hectares. The shed measures 25 metres by 9 metres, with a ridge height of 2.5 metres and an eaves height of 3.9 metres. It is to be sited on farmland adjacent to Wardlow Quarry.

“Neighbouring uses include agricultural land farmed by the applicant and the JCB test site at Wardlow Quarry. The nearest residential property to the site which is not within the applicant’s control lies approximately 270 metres away.

“The proposed shed is required for agricultural purposes on a working agricultural holding. The proposals are essential to the efficient working of this established agricultural enterprise. The broad principle of development therefore accords with Policy SS10 of the Local Plan.

“The proposals would have minimal impact upon the character and appearance of the countryside. The shed has been consciously sited where it is grouped with existing built development.

“The form of the shed reflects its agricultural function, and it would be viewed in the context of the existing poultry housing to the north and southeast. The proposed shed is modest in scale and height, and would not therefore appear unduly prominent.

“The shed is over 250 metres from the nearest dwelling not associated with the applicant. It is sufficiently distant to avoid any unacceptable effects in terms of noise, disturbance or odour. The proposals are accessed via the entrance to the JCB test site, which was formerly a quarry.

“The access was designed to accommodate significantly greater HGV movements than it does at present and visibility is good in both directions. The proposals will not therefore prejudice the safe or efficient use of the highway network. The proposals therefore, comply with local and national planning policies and it is therefore respectfully requested that planning permission is granted.

A decision is expected by planners within the next eight weeks.

The form of the the shed reflects its agricultural function

Jon Imber