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Norfolk Poultry Farm Plans Withdrawn Amidst Public Outcry
19 Oct
Summary
- Poultry farm expansion plans were withdrawn after construction started without permission.
- Environmental agency raised concerns over pollution and water stress in the area.
- Local community expressed relief, citing health and wildlife concerns.
Plans for a significant expansion of Brookside Farm in Great Hockham, Norfolk, have been withdrawn by Boparan. The company had applied to increase its annual chicken production to over 2.1 million birds. However, construction work commenced months prior to the official application submission, leading Breckland Council to issue an enforcement notice for work stoppage.
The withdrawal followed substantial public anger and objections. The Environment Agency had raised critical concerns, citing "serious water stress" in the region and requiring further information to assess potential pollution and over-abstraction of water sources. Local residents expressed considerable relief, highlighting concerns for personal health and the impact on local wildlife and the Frosts Common.
Groups like Communities Against Factory Farming celebrated the withdrawal as a victory for the local community against corporate interests. While the current plans are off the table, a planning agent for Boparan indicated that a revised application is anticipated. A spokesperson for 2Agriculture stated their continued engagement with the local planning authority to support food security and rural employment.
