Western Morning News (Saturday)
Rabbit farm aims to feed demand
WPlans to establish a farm to breed rabbits for their meat have sparked outrage. But the man behind the idea tells Chris Matthews it would provide a ready source of high value protein and create a new market
HEN it comes to rabbits, most people regard them as either a wild animal, typically glimpsed hopping away, white tail bobbing, or a fluffy and endearing pet munching on dandelion leaves in a hutch.
But Phil Kerry, the Wiltshire man with designs on a Cornish rabbit farm, has a different view of the humble bunny.
He has plans to build a 250-doe free-range rabbit farm on land in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty land north of Tregunwith Wood near Mylor Bridge, not far from the Cornish village of Feock.
So far his plans have been met with a furious response from locals and Feock Parish Council with more than 70 objections already logged on the Cornwall Council planning website.
But Mr Kerry is standing by his idea and has similar operations in other areas, which he says proves they can be a success.
“Whilst there may be little demand for rabbit meat in the Westcountry at the present time, we suggest this is because of lack of availability,” he said.
“Unfortunately, wild rabbits which are plentiful in the countryside have very little meat and consist of a high proportion of sinew. Rabbit meat is considered a sustainable foodstuff, with a high feed to meat ratio, similar to poultry.
“The speed at which the Westcountry’s culinary experience is developing is extremely encouraging. The Michelin Guide has 40 restaurants listed in Cornwall and 29 in Devon.
“Worldwide, rabbit meat is described as a $6.4 billion industry which is increasing by a massive 12% per year.
“Some nine million visitors holiday in the Westcountry each year – under normal circumstances. It is my belief that the proposed rabbit farm will enjoy the same opportunities and success in Mylor Bridge as it does at our other locations.”
His proposals envisage the development of the production unit over the next three years, by which time sales of rabbit meat will equate to approximately 10,000 units per year.
The plans also include an agricultural building, fencing and a temporary workers’ dwelling that Mr Kerry says is essential for live-on-site staff to provide for the welfare and security of the livestock.
Various concerns have been raised by those opposing the plans including the visual impact of the buildings on the landscape, effect on wildlife, pollution concerns and even regarding the actual demand for rabbit meat.
But Mr Kerry argued such a farm is “entirely appropriate for the countryside”.
He added: “This site is surrounded by other agricultural properties so it is not considered that the proposed development would be out of character. The design and materials reflect the agricultural nature of the development. The agricultural building will be coloured grey for the roof and either grey or green for the walls to help it blend in to the landscape.
“The proposed buildings have been positioned at the lowest point of the site, sheltered by existing mature trees which line the estuary. This location has been carefully chosen to help reduce the visibility of the development from the estuary and properties/viewpoints beyond.
“The proposal would be visible from the public right of way to the south, but the buildings would sit lower than the track along which it runs, so would not interrupt views of the estuary beyond. There are also established hedgerows on the site adjacent to the public right of way which would help to screen the development from view.”
Among those formally objecting on the Cornwall Council planning portal was the Feock Parish Council.
Assistant parish clerk Debbie Searle wrote: “Feock Parish Council consider that the proposed development within the area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB) will have an enormous detrimental visual impact and will be clearly seen from Penpol, Point Quay, and the Old Tram Road, Devoran.
“There are also risks of pollution to the creek especially the effect of the high run-off of nitrates which one might assume would be associated with such a project. The primary purpose of the AONB designation is to conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the landscape, this proposal would be contrary to this aim and therefore we object to this application.”
Cornwall Council will make a decision on the development in due course.