East Suffolk Council has refused plans for a large-scale poultry farm in Shadingfield, near Beccles, following widespread local opposition.
Merrells Growers Ltd had applied to build three poultry houses on land adjacent to West End Farm, intending to rear up to 100,000 chickens for processing at a nearby facility. The company cited the project as key to sustaining the family farm business into a fourth generation.
Planning officers recommended refusal, highlighting that ammonia emissions from the development would exceed critical levels on nearby ancient woodland. Officers also noted potential harm to local heritage assets. Additional concerns raised included traffic, odour and noise impacts.
The application has a long history. First submitted in May 2019, it was deferred by councillors in July 2020, briefly approved later that year, and subsequently quashed on appeal in March 2021 after the council acknowledged it had failed to fully consider environmental impacts. Public opposition has grown over time, with objection letters increasing from 97 to more than 1,700, including petitions.
During the planning debate, councillors generally supported the officers’ findings, emphasising the industrial scale of the proposed operation and its potential community impact. Some councillors highlighted pressures on farmers and the public demand for affordable poultry products but agreed the environmental and local concerns outweighed these factors.
The proposal was ultimately refused with six votes in favour of rejection and two against.