Feathers fly over huge chicken farm scheme

Feathers fly over huge chicken farm scheme

27 April 2016

CONCERNED residents are mobilising themselves to oppose plans for a major agricultural development in the heart of the Ballynahinch countryside.

Planning approval is being sought for four large poultry sheds at the Magherahamlet Road which will be able to house almost 150,000 chickens. The proposed development also includes eight feeding bins, two gas tanks, an office and staff changing building.

Residents opposed to the planning application — which has been lodged in the name of Mr. Colin Kane — are seeking an urgent meeting with local planners, arguing the development will impact on their health, property values, local roads and the environment.

They claim the proposal will also result in a dominant feature on the landscape and surrounding countryside, with residents concerned about the odour the poultry sheds will generate and the amount of waste the broiler chickens will produce.

They met on Monday afternoon to outline their opposition to the proposed plant and hope to secure an urgent meeting with Newry, Mourne and Down Council planning officials. Residents insist the proposed site is “totally inappropriate” and are vehemently opposed to it.

Rosalind Radcliffe said the Magherahamlet Road is not suitable to accommodate large lorries travelling to and from the proposed plant.

“What is proposed will be a blot on the landscape,” she continued. “We are concerned about the potential for air and water pollution associated with this development and I believe broiler houses are an extremely cruel way to raise poultry. It is very important we meet with planners on this issue.”

Mr Tom McCann and his wife Mary, who live at the Drumkeeragh Road and both suffer from health issues, are also opposed to the development.

Mr McCann, who has battled cancer twice and underwent a bone marrow transplant several years ago, said his immune system is weak and he is susceptible to infection. He said his GP feels the broiler houses would be detrimental to his health.

“I fear this proposal will destroy the countryside and like many of my neighbours feel it is important we meet with the planners as soon as possible. My wife suffers from asthma and a few other medical conditions. Her GP has advised her that if this development goes ahead we would have to move house as our home is directly in front of the proposed site.

“We have lived here for 33 years and my wife and I both in our 60s now. We had intended to spend the rest of our days here and don’t want to have to move to accommodate this development,” added Mr McCann.

Mr Brian McCullough, his wife Eileen and son Craig expressed their concern about the impact the plant could have on the environment and that ammonia is given off from bird waste used in broiler houses.

“This is a dangerous gas and that concerns us very much as planners have informed us that there is no restriction on how far broiler houses must be away from homes. It is all very concerning,” he added, with his view supported by his wife who pointed to the impact the plant will have on the environment and property values in the area.

Craig McCullough also expressed concern about the amount of waste the broiler houses will produce and said while it is all very well to be given assurances that steps will be taken to prevent anything going wrong, he asked what happens when something does? He added: “Something only has to go wrong once.”

Mr Gerard McCartney, who lives at the Drumboy Road, said he moved to the countryside to enjoy “a bit of country life and peace and quiet” and the next thing he discovered was the plan to house 150,000 chickens in four sheds. 

He added: “The location is not appropriate. The roads around here are not suitable for heavy lorries and I am concerned about what is proposed. The planners must listen to our views as residents have a lot of genuine concerns about this proposal and its impact on the countryside.”

The Recorder tried several times to contact Mr Kane but did not get a response.