A major agricultural planning application has been submitted to Boston Borough Council for the construction of a large free-range egg production unit at Cowbridge Farm House, Cowbridge Road, Bicker Bar.
The proposal, submitted on behalf of Mr and Mrs Ian Bristow and prepared by JHG Planning Consultancy Ltd, seeks full planning permission for the erection of a purpose-built free-range poultry unit capable of housing up to 32,000 laying hens, together with ancillary feed silos, photovoltaic panels, new hardstanding, access improvements and landscaping.
According to the application and accompanying Design and Access Statement and Environmental Report, the development would occupy approximately 1.47 hectares of arable land within the Bristows’ wider Cowbridge Farm holding. The main poultry building would measure around 88 metres by 33 metres, with a ridge height of 7.9 metres, and would be clad in olive-green profiled steel to help it blend into the surrounding countryside. Two feed silos, a new private access road, concrete hardstanding for agricultural vehicles and a range of operational structures would also be constructed as part of the scheme.
The unit is intended to support free-range egg production, with the hens able to range across more than 16 hectares of surrounding woodland and grassland. The applicants state that the development would enable diversification from arable farming into higher-welfare egg production, securing a supply contract with Anglia Free Range Eggs Ltd and meeting British Lion and RSPCA Freedom Food standards.
Environmental assessments submitted with the application cover odour, noise, traffic, flood risk, air quality, ecology and landscape impact. Specialist modelling concludes that odour and ammonia levels would remain below Environment Agency thresholds at nearby homes, that noise from ventilation systems and vehicle movements would be minimal, and that the operation would not give rise to significant adverse effects on residential amenity.
The site lies within Flood Zone 3a, and a detailed Flood Risk Assessment and drainage strategy has been provided. This proposes sustainable drainage systems to manage surface water and ensure that the development does not increase flood risk elsewhere.
Ecological reports also indicate that the scheme would deliver biodiversity net gain through new woodland planting, wildflower meadows and habitat enhancement, with more than 1,000 native trees proposed across the wider ranging area.
In planning policy terms, the site is located in the open countryside, where agricultural development is considered acceptable if it supports the rural economy and does not cause unacceptable environmental harm. The applicants argue that the project would create two full-time jobs on site, support the local food supply chain and strengthen the long-term viability of the family farm.
The application will now be subject to consultation with statutory bodies, parish representatives and local residents before being determined by Boston Borough Council’s planning authority in the coming months.
