Chicken city! Proposed poultry project in Grimsby-area village could house up to 64,000 laying hens

                                                          

Population of humans in Healing could be outstripped by egg-laying hens if project is approved 

AS many as 64,000 egg-laying hens could be housed on farmland outside Healing if planners give the green light at a meeting early next month.

Sir Richard Sutton Estates have applied  to build a giant poultry unit on land at Wells Farm off Wells Road on the outskirts of the village as an 'agricultural diversification initiative'. 

Say the agents: "The building would be subdivided into four bird housing sections, together with a central area for egg packing and storage. 

"The central packing area would include an automated egg packer and an egg storage area. 

"The proposed bird housing areas include a multi-tier system, which includes rows of tiered perches, which are situated over manure belts. 

"The designated bird areas include automated chain feeders and non-drip nipple drinkers.  

"Following laying, the eggs roll from the nest box on to the conveyor which delivers them to the packing area."

What about the welfare and happiness of the hens?

Computer-controlled ventilation fans would be installed and 'pop holes', automatically-operated between 8am and dusk, would provide the birds with free access to an external pasture surrounded by trees.

Here they would be able to scratch for insects and stretch their legs and wings. 

The report continues: "The use of the development will be for the accommodation of free-range laying hens. 

"The proposed development will operate in accordance with the British Egg Industry Councils Lion Code of Practice and in accordance with the RSPCA Freedom Foods charter.  

"The birds would be purchased at point of lay (17 weeks) and delivered to the site. 

"The birds would be  accommodated within the free-range egg unit for 70 weeks, following which they are to be removed and replaced." 

If approved, the operation will require will require four  full-time staff  as well as generating work for delivery drivers.

The site will also require quarterly visits from both vets and farm assurance inspectors.  

There have been several objections from residents who have raised concerns about:

* Traffic generation and HGV movements

* Highway safety along Wells road due to the width of road and speed of traffic

* Highway safety on Wells Road due to the proposed access

* Odour and noise 

* Landscape and character of the area

* Drainage and flood risk

* Pollution

However, at a meeting on  January 3 of North East Lincolnshire Council's planning meeting, members will be advised to approve the project.

Says case officer Richard Limmer: "It is considered that there would not be a detrimental impact on neighbours’ amenities, the visual character of the area, ecology, highway safety and amenity, heritage and biodiversity. 

"It is therefore recommended that the application is approved."