Health fears over proposed chicken farm in village

People living in a Lincolnshire village have said their health and wellbeing will be put at risk if plans for a large-scale chicken farm are approved.

Dozens of residents have objected to Lincolnshire Poultry Ltd's planning application to construct six buildings on land west of Barn Farm on Torrington Lane, near Wragby.

The site could house up to 240,000 birds if the proposals were allowed to go ahead by East Lindsey District Council (ELDC).

Ivor Davey, 82, who runs an organic vegetable farm directly next to the proposed site with his 80-year-old wife Pam, said: "We fear for our health, our wellbeing and the likely impact on delicate ecosystems."

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the agent for the application, Acorus Planning and Design, declined to comment.

Davey said he was "extremely concerned" about the potential impact of the proposed farm on his 150-year-old orchard, where there are rare varieties of fruit trees and a wildflower meadow that supports local wildlife.

"Everything about our life and work is put in jeopardy by this proposal, as any pollutants from the units would be carried on the prevailing winds directly to our property."

"We fear for our health, our wellbeing and the likely impact on delicate ecosystems."

Other residents have also voiced concerns including Jeremy Dodd, who feared potential disruption and health risks.

"We cannot predict just how bad the noise, traffic and smell would be," he said.

"My most serious concern, however, is the possible effects on health from the pollutants from such a development."

Alison Moore, from East Barkwith, said people living in the rural area "expect clean air, peace, and enjoyment of their homes and gardens."

Campaign group Communities Against Factory Farming said they felt the proposals were "cruel" to the animals and vowed to work with residents to fight the plan.

A spokesperson for ELDC said it could not comment on the details of a live application.

"All applications received are determined in strict accordance with the local and national planning policies every Local Planning Authority must adhere to.

"All developments, including matters of environmental impact, are fully assessed against these policies before a decision is reached."

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