UK broiler unit fails in expansion bid

Plans to expand a Suffolk broiler unit to house more than 200,000 birds have been refused.

Mid Suffolk Poultry wanted to expand its 80,000 bird Ebdens Farm broiler unit at Pixey's Green, near Stradbroke to meet a growing demand for production sites complying with modern environmental standards, including new RSPCA guidelines for stocking density, which have cut the capacity of each shed by about a quarter.

The plans proposed to expand from the two existing buildings, erected on the 3.6 hectares site in 2004, to six. Measures to reduce its impact included landscaping with trees and a bund; erecting lower, narrower buildings; using a transport plan; and constructing two proposed HGV passing places.

Mid Suffolk District Council rejected the application after a highways manager warned of an "unacceptable" increase of traffic which would "lead to road safety dangers". The expansion would have brought 60 more lorry movements during regular two-week peak periods. The application also failed to meet Section 106 Planning Obligation requirements, it said.

Mid Suffolk Poultry is considering an appeal.