Poultry plan is cut in half in permission bid

Poultry plan is cut in half in permission bid

8 June 2016

AMENDED proposals have been submitted for a controversial agricultural development in the heart of the Ballynahinch countryside.

A planning application seeking permission for four large poultry sheds at the Magherahamlet Road — capable of housing almost 150,000 chickens — has been scaled down. Permission is now being sought for just two sheds with a capacity for around 74,000 chickens.

The initial application was deemed invalid by planners because local people were not consulted. Under planning legislation, residents living close to the proposed development site should have been asked for their views as part of a community consultation exercise undertaken by the applicant, with a report on the outcome presented to planners before the formal application was submitted.

Last month, planners confirmed that before the plan was resubmitted, local people who fear the proposal will impact on their health, property values, local roads and the environment, must be consulted.

Residents opposed to the Magherahamlet Road proposal claim the proposal will result in a dominant feature on the landscape and surrounding countryside and are concerned about the odour the poultry sheds will generate and the amount of waste the broiler chickens will produce.

They insist the proposed development site is “totally inappropriate” and are vehemently opposed to it, arguing the Magherahamlet Road is not suitable to accommodate large lorries travelling to and from the proposed plant.

Councillor Patrick Clarke said residents remain concerned about the impact the scaled down application will have and is seeking a meeting with planners on their behalf.

“Residents and I are concerned that the amended application may not be deemed a major planning development under current legislation which would require a pre-planning application notice and 12 week public consultation,” he said.

“The new application is seeking approval to construct a large scale major development of two poultry sheds to house approximately 74,000 chickens in a very rural area of outstanding natural beauty, close to a number of private homes.”

Councillor Clarke expressed concern the proposal will have a major impact and be a dominant feature on the landscape and surrounding countryside and would not fit into the natural habitat.

He added: “I am seeking a meeting with Newry, Mourne and Down Council planning officials to discuss this new application and ensure they take on board the concerns of those who live close to the proposed development site before they make a final decision.”