Villagers celebrate following unexpected withdrawal of planning application for a second mega chicken farm in Thoroton
Villagers are celebrating after the unexpected withdrawal of a planning application for a second mega chicken farm on their doorstep.
Plans were submitted for four large chicken sheds — with a rolling capacity of 220,000 birds at a time — on land west of Main Street, Thoroton, by farmer Richard Ogden, who already operates eight large sheds nearby.
If granted, the two farms combined would have yielded 660,000 birds at a time.
Residents in Thoroton and surrounding villages united to oppose the application, and set up the Opposing Industrial Farms in Thoroton group on Facebook.
They feared an increased risk of respiratory conditions, such as pneumonia, if permission was granted, as well as air pollution.
However, it has been confirmed the planning application has been unexpectedly withdrawn before the end of the extended consultation period for comments and objections.
Rushcliffe Borough Council’s service manager, communities, Andrew Pegram wrote to objectors: “I can inform you that the application was withdrawn on October 23, 2020, and no further action will be taken.”
Christine Williams, a Thoroton resident, said: “The farmer has withdrawn his planning application. Thank you so much for your support. The press is a powerful instrument when raising local issues.
“We do not have any idea for the reasoning behind the sudden withdrawal.
“It has been interesting researching intensive, industrial farming and the number of reasons for the UK to abandon this route is extensive.
“Biodiversity, environment, human and animal health, climate change — the complexity of chicken breeding is as complex as the disturbance to the planet.”
The agent for the application, Ian Pick, of Ian Pick Associates, had vigorously denied the claims of objectors, saying the industry was well regulated and the farming practices were of the highest standards, and he had argued the farm was needed to help meet a demand for chicken meat.
Mr Pick has been approached for comment.