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Controversial Pig Farm Denied Retrospective Approval After Years of Complaints
11 Nov
Summary
- Cranswick, a major UK meat producer, denied retrospective planning permission for pig farm
- Hundreds of complaints over farm's smell led to rejection of application
- Firm failed to provide key environmental impact assessment document
As of November 11th, 2025, a controversial pig farm operated by one of the UK's largest meat producers, Cranswick, has been denied retrospective planning permission by Breckland Council. The farm, located in Stow Bedon, Norfolk, has attracted hundreds of complaints from nearby residents over the past several years due to its overwhelming smell.
Cranswick had expanded the site in 2021, increasing its capacity to house 7,000 pigs. However, the council has now ruled that the firm failed to provide a key environmental impact assessment document, a critical requirement for securing approval. Without this assessment, the council stated it could not conclude that the farm's operations would not have a significant environmental impact.
