Aviagen Turkeys has submitted a planning application for six buildings in Llay, Wrexham for the rearing of poultry. The proposal also sought to provide a new access road to the buildings, as well as feed silos.
The company said that its current rearing accommodation was built 30–40 years ago and no longer met requirements for raising pedigree turkeys.
According to Wrexham Council’s planning report, Aviagen discounted nine possible sites for the turkey farm before settling on Rackery Lane in Llay.
The sites were rejected because they did not provide enough biosecurity – keeping birds far enough away from other farms or areas of open water where wildfowl congregate.
Did not provide enough biosecurity
Wild birds carrying avian influenza often mingle with poultry near open water, leading to the spread of the disease.
Earlier this month the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs lifted restrictions that forced poultry to be kept indoors, to prevent the spread of avian influenza.
Local concerns regarding noise, pollution, smell and traffic volumes were raised by four of the 51 neighbouring properties.
Ahead of Wrexham Council’s decision to give planning permission, the head of environment and planning Lawrence Isted said: “I am satisfied that the applicant has provided a reasoned and robust justification for proposing this isolated agricultural building, given their specialised processes and locational needs.
“I am also satisfied that the proposed development site strikes a reasonable balance between being sustainably located adjacent to existing facilities without causing detriment to neighbouring residential amenity, or the visual amenity of the area.
Double egg production
Wrexham Council is also considering Talwrn Farm’s proposal to double egg production at its site in Legacy.
Talwrn sought permission for the erection of an extension to its existing barn egg production unit to house an additional 15,700 birds, as well as the erection of two feed silos. This will double the number of birds at the site to 31,400.
Wrexham Council's report recommended that planning permission be granted to Talwrn.
“I am satisfied that the nature of the additional built development associated with the accepted use of the site for the housing of barn laying chickens is acceptable,” said Isted.
“The building will be located adjacent to an existing building and would satisfactorily sit within the existing landscape. The additional traffic movements will be minimal. I therefore recommend accordingly.”