A significant planning application has been submitted to Boston Borough Council that could see the expansion of one of the area’s largest hatchery facilities.
Annyalla Chicks UK Ltd, which operates the site on Mill Lane, Butterwick, has applied through KD Design (Lincolnshire) Ltd to extend its existing manufacturing facility. The proposal involves infilling a three-sided courtyard within the current complex, creating an additional 1,435 square metres of production space. If approved, this will take the total built area of the site to more than 14,000 square metres.
The expansion has been designed to bring certain operations that are currently carried out in the open air into a purpose-built, enclosed area. Specifically, the plans detail an extension of the existing wash areas and the relocation of minimal external washing processes indoors. The company says this move will improve hygiene standards, reduce potential noise, and streamline production.
The site, already secured with gates and fencing, lies to the north of Butterwick village and is partially screened by landscaping and tree banks. The nearest residential properties are around 140 metres away. The design statement submitted with the application stresses that enclosing the courtyard will actually help contain noise, rather than add to it, with no significant change expected for nearby residents.
Access and parking arrangements for both staff and HGVs remain unchanged, with no alterations to existing road layouts. However, the company anticipates a modest increase in activity over the coming years. The number of HGVs using the site could rise from seven to nine, while the workforce is expected to grow from around 50 full-time staff to approximately 60.
While the physical footprint of the facility will expand by just under 10%, the company expects the improvements to deliver a much larger boost in output — with production levels forecast to increase by up to 60%.
The planning statement also highlights that the site has a low to very low risk of flooding according to Government mapping, and landscaping will remain as currently laid out given that the new building will replace an area of existing concrete yard.
Annyalla Chicks UK Ltd is part of a wider group that supplies day-old chicks to the poultry industry across the UK and Europe. The proposed expansion in Butterwick signals continued investment in the Lincolnshire site and is seen as an important step in meeting future demand.
