More than 1,000 object to poultry processing plant

More than 1,000 objections have been lodged over a proposed chicken farm near a village due to concerns it would produce unpleasant smells and lorry traffic.

Based near the Europarc industrial estate in Healing, the facility would process up to 1.75 million birds per week - with a maximum workforce of 1,400 employees.

About 40 residents attended a meeting at Great Coates Village Hall to oppose the plans by food producer Cranswick, which they said would harm local livelihoods and the environment.

A Cranswick spokesperson said: "We're looking at a £200m investment creating 1,400 jobs in an area that has been formally designated as suitable for food production and industrial development."

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS), the 28,500 sq m development would include a processing building, waste water treatment plant, loading bays, internal lorry routes and 400 parking spaces for employees.

Brigg and Immingham MP Martin Vickers wrote to the council objecting to the application, saying industrial food processing operations "of this magnitude" would produce "persistent airborne emissions and noxious odours" as well as noise and emissions from vehicles.

Healing Parish Council also objected to the proposal, stating possible odours and concerns regarding on-site sewage treatment.

Local residents attending the meeting voiced their concerns regarding smells, wildlife, traffic issues and ethical concerns surrounding the nature of the plant's operations.

In response, the Cranswick spokesperson said: "We're working with the council to make sure these concerns are addressed as part of the planning application."

"This application will address the concerns of the local residents and the application highlights the measures in place to control odour, noise and traffic," they added.

According to the LDRS, 15 intensive poultry unit planning applications are currently waiting to be decided across Lincolnshire.

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