Free-range egg building at Gloagburn Farm, Tibbermore, Perth

What was proposed

A 158.8-metre building would house 32,000 laying hens, with feed bins, packing and storage facilities, aprons and access tracks.

“Proposal: Erection of free-range egg production building and associated works…”

“Planning permission is sought for the erection of a free-range egg production building and associated works to the north of the existing building group at Gloagburn Farm. The facility (measuring 158.8m x 20.3m) will accommodate 32,000 laying hens, alongside associated feed bins, egg packing and storage facilities, concrete aprons, and access tracks. The proposal will lead to the removal of two smaller existing free-range units, which currently house around 6,000 hens.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site lies north of the existing farm buildings, about 380 metres west of Tibbermore, on land classified as prime agricultural land.

“The proposed site is approximately 380 metres west of the settlement boundary of Tibbermore, and to the north of the buildings associated with Gloagburn Farm, and its associated farm shop and cafe.”

“Moreover, according to the Land Capability for Agriculture (LCA) classification map for Scotland, the proposed site appears to fall within class 2, which would constitute prime agricultural land.”

Officer report

Earlier development

The wider farm site has a history of approved farm shop, dwelling, agricultural building and other applications, alongside some withdrawn and refused applications.

“01/01802/FUL Change of use of garage and garden shed to form farm shop, toilet and kitchen 04 February 2002 Application Approved…”

“02/00368/FUL Erection of building to form farm shop with ancillary coffee area on land adjacent to farm buildings 14 June 2002 Application Approved…”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the proposal complied with the Development Plan and no material considerations justified departing from it.

“Conclusion and Reasons for Recommendation…”

“To conclude, the application must be determined in accordance with the Development Plan unless material considerations indicate otherwise. In this respect, the proposal is considered to comply with NPF4, and the adopted Local Development Plan 2 (2019). Account has been taken account of the relevant material considerations, and none has been found that would justify overriding the Development Plan.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Council services and external bodies raised no objections, subject to conditions covering traffic, noise, lighting, deliveries, landscaping, biodiversity and complaints.

“Environmental Health (Noise Odour): No objection subject to conditions relating to plant noise, external lighting, servicing and deliveries, audible reversing alarms, the submission of an operational management plan, noise and odour complaint procedures.”

“Biodiversity: No objection subject to conditions relating to tree/hedgerow retention and the submission of a revised detailed landscaping and planting scheme prior to the commencement of development.”

Officer report

Objections and concerns

Six objections raised concerns about noise, odour, dust, air quality, public health, visual impact, land use, overdevelopment and consultation.

“Noise pollution • Odour, dust and air quality impacts • Public health risk • Adverse impact on visual amenity • Inappropriate land use • Out of character with the area • Over-intensive development • Lack of appropriate assessment e.g. lack of Environmental Impact Assessment. As stated above, an EIA Screening Opinion was carried out which confirmed that an EIA was not required. • Lack of community consultation.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The applicant addressed the committee and answered members’ questions.

The committee’s decision

The committee resolved to grant permission subject to the listed conditions and informatives.

“Resolved: Grant, subject to the following terms, conditions and informatives:”

“Conditions 1. This planning permission will last only for three years from the date of this decision notice, unless the development has been lawfully started within that period. Reason - This is a Planning Permission in terms of Section 58 of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997, as amended by Section 32 of the Planning (Scotland) Act 2019. 2.”

Minutes

Why permission was granted

Permission was granted because the proposal was considered consistent with the Development Plan and there were no material reasons to depart from it.

“Justification The proposal is in accordance with the Development Plan and there are no material reasons which justify departing from the Development Plan.”

Minutes