Loadsachickens! Grimsby-area farm firm aims to rear 577,600 birds per annum in two new poultry houses

                                   

A life spent indoors - inside a British broiler house (photo: lbgrpoup2018/Wikimedia Commons) 

A GRIMSBY-area farming firm aims to help supply the ever-strong UK demand for chicken.

Spire Farms has revealed a plan to build two poultry broiler houses on a hedgerow-bordered grass paddock  off Stallingborough Road in Keelby. 

 These would be of steel portal construction, each measuring 110 metres x 20.42 metres with an eaves height of 3.3 metres and a ridge height of 6.114 metres.

The fan-ventilated buildings would have external cladding of polyester-coated profile sheeting in olive green to blend with the leafy surroundings.  

At full capacity, each would house 38,000 birds, each destined for a short life. 

Having been delivered to the site as day-old chicks, they would be reared in such a way as to ensure that they are of table-ready size in just 38 days.

Over an ensuing period of 10 days, the poultry houses would cleaned and prepared for the next 38,000-bird arrival.

The aim would be to turn over a total of 577,600 chickens per annum.

It is not yet known how many jobs might be created.

Agents for Spire Farms insist there will be no environmental impact, and, assuming there is confirmation of this from North East Lincolnshire Council, they hope to submit a planning application later this year. 

Storage tank glitch thought to be responsible for ongoing delay in re-opening of Tesco fuel station

The filling station has been closed for several months ahead of modernisation

IT looks like at least another month will pass before re-opening of the Cleethorpes branch of Tesco Extra.

Following a revamp, it was scheduled to reopen on July 27 but this has not happened.

Gossip on the supermarket's sales floor is that, either because it was too large or too small, the storage tank delivered to the site did not fit the hole that had been dug for it.

Now a replacement tank has had to be manufactured before works can proceed.

The projected re-opening date is now for the first half of October, but time will tell.

As outlined in the planning application, the project includes:

* Removal of below-ground fuel storage tanks  

* Installation of two new 120,000 litre double skin steel storage tank and new petrol interceptor  

* Partial demolition and alterations to existing canopy 

* Installation of two jet washes and air and water facilities  

* Construction of new storage area to side of existing shop  

* Installation of new fuel lines, offset fills and vents 

* Installation of new interceptor 

* Installation of new drainage

The scheme is of interest to the Environment Agency which is adamant that there should be no leakage from the storage tank lest an underground aquifer might be contaminated 

During ongoing closure, Tesco is suggesting its Brigg filling station as an alternative fuel-purchasing destination for motorists.

 .

Planning go-ahead for changes to former Lloyds Bank building ahead of its conversion to a bank

Consent has been granted for changes to the frontage  of the former Lloyds Bank building in preparation for it to become a shop. The application did not go before North East Lincolnshire Council's planning committee but was determined by a case officer who noted: "The alterations are considered minor, and therefore the impact on the character and appearance of the area and neighbours' amenity will be minimal." There is no official word yet on when work will start and what goods might be  on offer.

Food processing giant promises 1,400 operational jobs if it gets the go-ahead for Grimsby venture

                                           

One for  the birds! Europarc could host giant poultry processing 'factory'

A MAJOR food company says it will create more than 2,000 jobs in Grimsby if it gets the green light to build a chicken processing plant on the outskirts of Grimsby.

Cranswick plc has earmarked land at Europarc for what it promises would be a "state-of-the-art, purpose-built poultry processing facility".

It says its £200-million venture would bring:

* 800 construction jobs supported during the two-year build phase, generating substantial local supply chain expenditure 

* 1,400 permanent operational jobs created across diverse skill levels, directly supporting North East Lincolnshire Council's employment target of 8,800 jobs. 

* Targeted local recruitment strategy backed by robust apprenticeship, graduate trainee and youth development programs to address regional skills gaps. 

The project would involve both day and night working, involving the processing of  up to approximately 1.75 million birds per week.

Says the company: "The operational activities of the poultry processing facility would comprise:

* The receipt of live poultry

* Stunning and processing

* Chilling, packing and dispatch of poultry products

* Associated ancillary activities including refrigeration, waste handling, effluent storage, staff facilities, servicing, and vehicle movements. 

All activities would be undertaken in an enclosed space away from public view.

Prior to being slaughtered, how well will the birds be looked after?

A company spokesperson  insists: "Cranswick is committed to maintaining high animal welfare standards throughout all  operations and  supply chains.  

"As well as their own Animal Welfare Policies, Cranswick and supplying farms and processing sites operate in accordance with UK animal welfare legislation and industry best practice. 

"This includes recognised welfare schemes such as RSPCA Assured, Red Tractor or equivalent as a minimum."

Also a major player  in pig product processing, Cranswick has, over the last 50 years, grown to become one of the biggest food producers in the UK. 

The business has a turnover of £3-billion and directly employs over 16,500 people while supporting a further 49,900 jobs across the UK.  

Originating in East Yorkshire, Cranswick has seven food manufacturing sites in Hull and a further 14  sites across England, Wales and Northern Ireland as well as a substantial farming business. 

The nearest equivalent to its proposed Europarc scheme is its 2019-constructed processing facility at Eye in Norfolk.

The company has submitted a planning application to North East Lincolnshire Council.

                                       

The cover of the company's most recent annual report

                                   

                                            

Anyone for sausage rolls and jam doughnuts? Fuel station site could host new Grimsby branch of Greggs

                                                            

A NEW Greggs bakery is in prospect for Grimsby.

The fast-expanding  Newcastle-based company has earmarked the St Martin's garage on Scartho Road for its next venture.

The Jet fuel sales will  continue but the existing carwash would be demolished in favour of constructing a single-storey extension to the existing Londis store.

However, an exiting  jet-wash would be retained and enhanced.

Agents for the scheme say 10 jobs would be created in the bakery.

There have been strong objections from nearby residents over the prospect of increased noise and traffic with additional worries about the prospect of litter and antisocial behaviour.

However, the project is due to be recommended for approval at a planning meeting on Wednesday of next week, September 2.

Barclays Bank to relocate soon from Grimsby Town Hall to unit in Freshney Place shopping centre

                                               

Soon to welcome a Barclays Bank branch - Freshney Place

THERE has today been a boost for Freshney Place in Grimsby's Top Town with the announcement that Barclays Bank will open a mini-branch there  this autumn.

It has decided to relocate from Grimsby Town Hall.

Says a bank spokesperson: "This move will ensure we can remain part of the local community, providing convenient face-to-face banking support  where people live, work and shop. 

"We look forward to opening our doors this autumn and welcoming both existing and new customers."

Equally upbeat is Freshney Place manager Elliott Andrews. "We are  delighted,"he enthuses.

"Access to everyday services remains an important part of any thriving town centre, and having Barclays Local based here further strengthens our offer for visitors and the local community." 

Meanwhile NELC comments: "This represents another important step in the centre’s continued evolution. 

"Offering a blend of retail, cafes, health services and soon leisure and entertainment - when the new extension opens - the shift reflects the changing way people use town centres." 

The precise date of the relocation and the hours of opening are  yet to be confirmed.

Decision day looms on proposal to introduce charges at popular seafront car park in Humberston

                           

The current signage at the seaside car park

A CONTROVERSIAL plan to introduce charging at a popular seafront car park is being backed by North East Lincolnshire Council's planning department.

There was fury when it emerged in May that holiday company Haven Leisure was intent on installing two pay machines, six bollards, a 2.1-metre height restriction barrier, a camera and associated signage at the site to the north of Anthony's Bank in Humberston.

Its application was  submitted by Lichfields - the same agents that Lidl are using to progress their proposal to redevelop the former Pleasure Island theme park.

Said Naomi Parker of Lichfields: "The scheme has been proposed in response to ongoing issues associated with anti-social behaviour, unauthorised overnight parking, long term parking and the use of the area by camper vans for informal encampment."

But the proposal did  not go down well with residents and visitors who have long been used to parking free - up to 63 cars at a time - on the 0.68-hectare tree-bordered site.

The council has received scores of objections - some from holiday visitors from South Yorkshire and beyond, plus one from Humberston Village Council.

The pay-to-park project is due to be determined next Wednesday morning September 2 at a meeting in Grimsby Town Hall.

Recommending  approval, the planning case officer, Mark Danforth,  says: "This application is not for the change the use of the overall site or to remove the car park, and it would remain readily available for general public car parking though at a cost. 

"This is far from unusual, and it is not considered that there are land use planning objections to the principle of charging. 

"It is also worth noting that the council's estates officer has confirmed that the charging does not conflict with the lease of the land with the council. 

"This proposal is for the installation of the car parking management system, and it is solely these structures which are to be determined in this case. 

"The large number of objections against the imposition of a payment system for the car parking are fully acknowledged and are understandable given the fact that it has for many years been a free car park.

"However, these concerns do not represent justifiable planning grounds for an objection."

It is understood that no trees will need to be removed.

It has not yet been revealed what  scale of parking charges Haven Leisure might be prepared to introduce.

                                 

Entrance to the car park where charges are being sought

Handy for access to the beach - location of the car park