Large 74,000-bird poultry farm gets planning approval

Large 74,000-bird poultry farm gets planning approval

31 August 2016

A MAJOR chicken plant capable of housing 74,000 birds is to be built outside Killyleagh.

Planners will confirm later this evening that they have approved plans by Jonathan and Fergus Woods for the construction of two large broiler poultry houses at the Ballytrim Road outside the town.

The new development will also feature four feeding bins, two gas tanks, a biomass plant room, wood pellet bin, washing collection tank, an office and changing facility. There will also be a building housing a standby generator.

Earlier this year, plans for a similar major agricultural development in the heart of the Ballynahinch countryside for four large poultry sheds to house almost 150,000 chickens was opposed by local residents.

They expressed concern about the impact the proposal would have on their health, property values, local roads and the environment, but planners have confirmed no objections have been lodged in opposition to the Killyleagh proposal.

Access to the proposed development will be via a lane way opposite Ballytrim Cottages, and planners have confirmed residents in the area did not raise any concerns or objections.

In a report prepared for members of Newry, Mourne and Down Council’s Planning Committee ahead of tonight’s meeting when the approval recommendation is expected to be rubber-stamped, planners explain the broiler houses will be located south of existing farm buildings and be over 200 metres away from the Ballytrim Road.

They say while the proposed broiler houses are large, the development site is low lying with the structures “visually integrating into the landscape.” In addition, planners say existing boundary hedging and mature screening will be retained, while new fencing and planting is also proposed.

Politicians will also be told tonight that “extensive consultations” have been undertaken as part of the routine processing of the planning application, with various statutory bodies “offering no objection in principle.”

The planners’ report adds: “While it is acknowledged the development comprises a sizeable operation, having account of the applicable policy test and comments from the respective consultees and supporting information submitted, it is considered the proposal does not offend any policy and will not result in any unacceptable impact or demonstrable harm.”