2 days ago
County Durham village objects to planned 32,000-hen egg barn
Plans for a 32,000-hen egg barn in County Durham have been approved despite concerns from neighbours about road safety and smell.
The barn will be built on land south of Front Lane, Cornsay, after planning permission was granted by Durham County Council.
The project, led by Richard Suddes of W I Suddes & Sons, will see the erection of a free-range egg-laying unit and associated infrastructure, covering a site area of more than five hectares.
Durham County Council approved the plans on Thursday (August 14), with several conditions attached, including an Odour Management Plan.
Approval comes despite objections from residents who raised concerns about the smell and road safety.
In their objections, some residents, like Joanne Apple, said: 'The smell is rank.
"The village will be subject to the same smell from a new direction, making warm summer days far from pleasant!'
Others pointed out that the road leading to the site is unclassified, with a speed limit of 60mph, and frequently covered in mud from farming vehicles, which they said is an "accident waiting to happen."
The council's delegated officer report, however, stated that the predicted emissions fell below the benchmark for offensive odours.
The report also noted that traffic levels are deemed acceptable, with peak flows averaging under 20 vehicles a day, of which only around 3 per cent were heavy goods vehicles.
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Lidl was among the supporters of the proposal, stating it understood the importance of buying eggs from farms that prioritise animal welfare and sustainable practices.
The new barn will have a non-residential floor space of 3,076 square metres under agricultural use, with walls and roof made from polyester-coated steel profile sheeting.
The site is not within a flood risk zone, with surface water to be disposed of via a soakaway.
