Bryn y Groes Farm

I urge the EA not to grant a permit.

1. I object to application  EPR/ VP3237WY/V005 for an environmental permit to increase broiler rearing from 120,000 broilers in 2 sheds to 180,000 in 3 sheds at Bryn-y-Groes Poultry Unit, Llanyblodwel, Oswestry, Shropshire SY10 8NB.

2. This application is for broiler places in excess of 85,000 and therefore requires a full Environmental Impact Assessment under Schedule 1, para. 17 of the EIA Regulations 2017. The relevant planning authority cannot grant permission without reviewing the EIA, under section 3 of the EIA Regulations 2017. 

3. This application should be ‘twin tracked’. I urge the EA not to grant a permit before this application has planning permission for the additional building.

4. The farm currently has 120,000 broilers. This application is for an additional poultry building and an increase to 180,000 broilers, an additional 60,000 which represents a 50% increase in bird places. This increase constitutes a significant intensification which is a material change of use under section 55 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

5. The 2015 planning application for the existing 2 poultry buildings was for 100,000 broilers. This application for a permit refers to an increase from 120,000 to 180,000 in the Non Technical Summary. However, the Site Condition Report states that the current permit is for 100,000. The Environment Agency should investigate this discrepancy.

6. The EA should confirm that the proposed  noise mitigation plan to raise temperature and reduce lighting levels are within animal welfare guidelines.

7. Possible detrimental  effects on the River Tanat were mentioned  in the 2015 planning document.It is essential  that the risk of water pollution from this proposed development is properly investigated, and also the effects on the nearby water course which acts as a wildlife corridor.

8. The application represents a significant intensification with serious consequences to the amenity of local people, public health, the environment, and the animals. Increases in odours, dust, ammonia, pollution, traffic, manure, waste, dirty water, greenhouse gas emissions, and the downstream direct and indirect impacts on people, ancient woodlands, SAC/SSSIs protected sites, the climate, rivers must all be assessed as part of the planning consultation process. 

9. Given the serious potential environmental consequences of this application, it is extremely important that no permit is granted prior to planning permission being granted, as the EIA will only be reviewed during the planning consultation process. 

The Environment Agency should refuse this application.