Objectors are claiming the risk of Avian Flu should scupper plans for a new free-range egg venture near Aberfoyle, which could have around 8000 hens.
Craig Johnston has submitted an application to Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park planners for an egg laying unit and infrastructure at Aberfoyle Farm.
Park planners are expected to make a recommendation on the application in due course but there have already been representations made by people both for and against.
Supporters say it would be great for the area and allow a local farm to diversify.
However, objectors have raised concerns including over impact on local wildlife, odour, vermin and potential for further expansion.
One objector said: “We have a wide variety of wildfowl on the loch, including gulls, pink footed and Canada geese, swans, mallard and goldeneye ducks, moorhens, kingfishers and herons. In season ospreys return to our area.
“The prevalence of H5 Avian Influenza is currently extremely high and I am advised that it is especially affecting the gull population.”
Another said: “Intensively housed hens will only potentially be a further source of this dangerous disease.
“The egg laying unit as outlined in the plans should I would propose be better described as an egg factory, being more industrial in nature than anything horticultural.
“Judging by the site location it will be an eyesore clearly visible from the road to the detriment to the current very scenic outlook from that road, and not appropriate in the National Park, where tourism is of the utmost importance.
“It is my opinion and that of many local residents that this proposal is unwanted and will add nothing to the amenity of the area but will in many ways be detrimental to the precious countryside that makes up the National park.”
Mr Johnston and his wife operate an existing agricultural business from the 33 acre farm, which was purchased in 2014. It already focuses on the growing of Christmas trees and grazing of sheep.
But, in documents submitted with the application, agents for Mr Johnston said there was “an essential and urgent need to diversify to remain a sustainable and economically viable commodity” and that the applicants are proposing to diversify into free range egg production.
“The applicants have received support from an egg production contractor and have a preliminary contract agreement in place for the proposal, subject to planning approval.
“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 longterm returns, the industry currently offers an extremely prosperous market, and one which is projected to continue to grow proportionately over the coming years.
“The introduction of the free-range egg production unit represents a significant investment by the applicants of approximately £600,000 and will create one full-time position and one part-time position on the farm.”
The unit would house 8,000 free range laying hens, together with egg packing and storage facilities, feed silos, and hardstanding areas for parking and turning of vehicles.
The agents said the 8000 hen unit was considered comparatively small and “undeniably modest” in the industry, with a standard unit expected to house 32,000 hens.
“Pop holes are situated in the eastern side of the building. These pop holes provide the birds with direct access to the range area (4 hectares). Pop holes are opened at 8am daily and closed at 9pm (or dusk).
“The free-range unit is designed, and proven in practice, to produce negligible environmental consequences. The design of the unit incorporates slatted perches, which are located over manure belts. The manure belts are emptied on a twice weekly basis to prevent any build-up of manure within the building. The frequent removal of manure ensures that there is never any volume of manure on the site which could create an odour nuisance.”