Residents beside the proposed site of a controversial £6 million pedigree chicken farm are demanding answers to a series of questions.
They have contacted the Scottish Government, a local MSP and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) about the plan which has been submitted by Lohmann Tierzucht UK Limited.
The proposal has already been approved by Perth and Kinross Council and it will see around 43,500 pedigree-laying birds accommodated at Perthshire Breeding Farm, Tullybelton Wood, Bankfoot.
The company, who are German based but have offices in the UK, has said the poultry site will bring “substantial” benefits to the Perthshire area and that it’s a “massive” investment.
They recently applied to SEPA to obtain a pollution prevention control (PPC) permit which is necessary to operate such a site.
As part of that process, local residents have the opportunity to view the controversial application and have their say.
David Murray, of Tullybelton, Bankfoot, has written to SEPA to list a catalogue of issues he feels need to be addressed by Lohmann Tierzucht UK Limited.
He said: “The public notice published in relation to the company seeking the PPC permit states that the ‘activities carried out will namely be intensively rearing poultry’. However, this conflicts with the information described in the application stating it will be layer hens.
“There is a difference between rearing and layers. The former is the rearing of chicks usually between six days old and 16 weeks.
“Layers are adult hens producing eggs. There is a significant difference to the environment between these two totally different operations as young chicks produce considerably less emissions and manure.
Mr Murray also raises concerns about potentially hazardous materials being released locally.
“The company refers to the use of unspecified biocide and cleaning products but it’s unclear what concentration these are and how they will be removed from the manure that is to be used locally through application to fields,” he adds.
“More detail is required.”
And he is also asking for more detail on the management of possible odour emissions from the poultry site.
“Internal odour concentration depend upon many factors, including the number of birds housed,” he commented.
“Weather stations should be installed to provide information on prevailing wind direction — and neighbours should be engaged to encourage good relations and any comments recorded.
“While we don’t agree that the location of a poultry farm in woodland that used to be a haven for wildlife should be here, it is our wish to ensure that everything is considered.”
Residents have contacted the Scottish Government and John Swinney, MSP for Perthshire North, about their concerns.
Members of Auchtergaven Community Council have also written to SEPA to state their grievances.
Their statement says: “The community council has a number of concerns relating to potential impacts on the public relating to ammonia and noise emissions. No background monitoring has been carried for either of these at local receptors.”
SEPA has said the consultation process into the matter is still “on-going.”
A spokesperson from Lohmann Tierzucht’s managing agents said: “We are aware of the concerns raised by some members of the Tullybelton community but can confirm that we have, and continue, to work closely with SEPA and other authorities to ensure the facility is progressing within the required criteria.
“Indeed, our client has gone above and beyond some of the stipulated requirements to ensure best practice. The facility is a major investment for our client and we hope will be regarded by all as a positive move in providing employment within rural Perthshire.”
