Thelnetham ‘village guardians’ set out to see off plans for 40,000-strong chicken farm

A controversial planning application to create a 40,000-strong chicken farm has prompted objections from neighbours.

Cross Green Farm, in Hopton Road, Thelnetham, has put forward a proposal to West Suffolk Council to construct four poultry breeder sheds and an administration block.

Villagers have objected to the plans, with concerns about noise levels, smell, pollution and traffic issues.

One of the objectors, Steven Brooks, started a petition this week as some local people did not know about the plans at all.

He said: “These plans have only seemed to come to light in the village in the last two weeks, but the application has been in with the council since August 19.

“I found out through a neighbour and I don’t remember much being said about it before then.

“What we have also found out is that other parish councils, which this could affect, know very little or nothing about it either.

“We had a village meeting on Monday about this application, but I wanted to get awareness out there as this also impacts the likes of Blo’ Norton and Hopton, as well as Hinderclay and Garboldisham.”

The plans would see the site’s 250 sows no longer used for livestock if the application was approved and an expansion to 2.45 hectares, taking in some agricultural land in the process.

In the planning statement, the applicant said the move from pigs to chickens would ‘ensure the financial viability of this farm’ and would create two new full-time jobs.

The statement added: “The rationale for the development is that the site is located just a 25-minute drive from the Crown Chicken incubation facility and feed mill at Kenninghall. This farm will contribute to the Crown Chicken supply chain.

“The growing domestic demand for chicken meat has resulted in the £74 million Crown Chicken processing factory at Eye. The proposed breeder unit will feed breeder hens into that supply chain, via the facility at Kenninghall.”

But the proposal has raised concerns, including the environmental impact it may have on a nearby Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

“The site is very close to Thelnetham Fen, so we are worried about that and that there are a lot of flooding problems up there, which could also be a big issue for the SSSI,” said Mr Brooks.

That is not the only worry from villagers.

On the application’s planning portal, fellow villager Neil Gillis said: “The new unit would represent a significant additional burden of large lorries and tractors on a network of fragile single-lane roads, both on an ongoing basis and to an even greater degree during the construction phase.”

Ann Lewitt added: “The noise pollution will significantly impact the quality of life for residents.

“Pollution concerns, including air or water pollution, should also be considered.

“It is our duty, as guardians of the village, to help protect the wellbeing of the Thelnetham community.”