A protest has been held against controversial plans for a poultry unit capable of rearing 2.7 million chickens a year near Ripon.
Around 30 people took part in demonstration on Saturday close to the site of the proposed development off Underlands Lane, near Melmerby.
The application, submitted by Forest Poultry Ltd, seeks permission to build six poultry units capable of housing up to 360,000 birds at any one time.
Each building would measure 126m by 25m and include automated feeding, drinking, heating and ventilation systems.
The plans also include heat exchangers to improve energy efficiency and around 100kW of roof-mounted solar panels on each building.
The applicant says the development would help meet the UK’s growing demand for chicken meat, reduce reliance on imports and improve food security, describing the scheme as having a “compelling and robust economic justification”.
However, the proposal has attracted more than 430 objections, including representations from parish councils and campaign groups. An objection organised by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has also been signed by 18,000 people.
Objectors have raised concerns about odour, noise, air quality, traffic, the impact on the landscape and animal welfare. In recent weeks, campaigners have also argued that there are inconsistencies and missing information within the planning application.
Ripon resident Brian McHugh, who organised Saturday’s protest, said the turnout demonstrated the strength of local feeling.
He said:
“It really feels like this is being pushed through, regardless of what the locals think.
“It really is fantastic to see the turnout from people who want to have their voices heard on the environmental issues, animal welfare issues and planning issues which surround this plan.”
Mr McHugh said campaigners remained concerned about the environmental impact of the development.
“Background ammonia concentrations already exceed critical levels and this is accepted by the applicant. The intrusive smell of 2.7 million chickens is a real concern and hasn’t been fully addressed in the planning documents.
“People here also have concerns about the pollution of groundwater – which we have seen is a real concern in places where we have these industrial units – for example the River Wye.
“There is a strong narrative being pushed that we need ‘cheap chicken’ with high welfare standards rather than rely on imported chickens, but what appears to be missed is that the claims of a national need for chickens is an industry narrative and is not a government initiative at all.”
The application will be determined by North Yorkshire Council.
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