A staggering 32,000 hens could be coming home to roost in Ayrshire… for a £1.8m free range egg production unit, earmarked for the Ayrshire countryside.
Ayrshire Live can exclusively reveal how a planning application has been lodged, seeking permission for the ambitious business venture at Bellslea Farm Eggs Ltd.
The agents in the proposals are East Yorkshire-based Harrison Pick Ltd and the applicant is Nanette Aitken, of Bellslea Farm Eggs Ltd, based on agricultural land between Belston and Joppa.
The plans involve the building of a giant free range egg unit, used to house the 32,000 free range laying hens.
Also included is an egg packing and storage facility, feed silos, and hard standing areas for parking and the turning of vehicles.
Ayrshire Live can further reveal that the plans represent a “significant investment” by the applicants of approximately £1.8m in groundworks, buildings and equipment, and will create two full-time position on the farm.
A supporting statement said: “Given the nature and extent of the agricultural enterprise, the business has an essential and urgent need to diversify to remain a sustainable and economically viable commodity. The applicants are proposing to diversify into free range egg production.”
It’s understood that the applicants have already received support from an egg production contractor and have a preliminary contract agreement in place for the proposal, subject to planning approval.
The supporting statement continues: “The nationwide increased demand for free range eggs necessitates a significant expansion within the industry to meet consumer expectations and sustain market growth. With an increasing focus on animal welfare and sustainable farming practices, more consumers are opting for free-range eggs over conventionally produced ‘barn’ eggs.
“To keep pace with this demand, producers and contractors alike must scale up their operations. The market is offering increasingly more lucrative contracts to both existing and new producers as all major supermarkets in the UK have committed to cease selling cage produced eggs by the end of 2025 and replace all these eggs with the higher welfare free range eggs.
“Put simply, whilst the production of free range eggs has historically always ensured sustainable long-term returns, the industry currently offers an extremely prosperous market, and one which is projected to continue to grow proportionately over the coming years.”
According to the plans, the proposed building includes accommodation for 32,000 free range laying hens in two 16,000 bird sections. Egg packing and storage facilities will be provided within the building at the southern end. The proposals also include feed bins. A covered loading bay is proposed to the south of the unit too.
The agents are also confident that, if approved, the business will provide ‘added economic value’ to the region.
The supporting statement adds: “The development will both sustain existing rural employment and create new positions and opportunities. The development will also provide a significant contribution to the associated services industries within the poultry sector, which for the best part will be provided by the surrounding rural communities. These industries include haulage contractors, chick suppliers, poultry feed suppliers, veterinary and medicine, fuel suppliers, bedding suppliers, catching contractors, cleaning contractors, electricians, plumbers, pest control contractors etc.
“The added value to the local economy through direct and indirect employment for the development is demonstrable and substantial.”
The proposals are listed as ‘pending consideration’ on South Ayrshire Council’s online planning portal and a decision is expected after Christmas.