Better planning needed to bolster domestic poultry production

Planning delays, inconsistent local decisions and systemic barriers are putting a brake on poultry production, increasing the threat that growing consumer demand for chicken will be met by lower-standard imports.

That is the message from the NFU, which has this week launched a new #LoveBritishChicken campaign, designed to encourage farmers, processors, retailers and the public to drive support for the British poultry sector.

See also: Overhaul of planning rules signals end to rural gridlock

One of the key aims is to secure a modern, “fit for purpose” national planning framework that supports the construction of new poultry sheds.

The broiler industry has already broadly moved to a voluntary maximum stocking rate of 30kg/sq m of live birds, compared with a statutory maximum of 39kg/sq m and a previous Red Tractor norm of 38kg/sq m.

The 20% reduction suggests 20% more shed space is needed to deliver the same volume of chicken, now produced to a higher welfare standard.

But this is being increasingly thwarted by animal welfare groups, which have a well-orchestrated campaign to oppose all new shed planning applications.

Ageing infrastructure

The need for a more dependable planning system is also highlighted by the results of a recent NFU survey, which found the average broiler house in the UK is more than 30 years old and refurbishment rates are low.

NFU Poultry Board chairman Will Raw said: “Producers are eager to invest, modernise and future-proof their businesses to help feed the nation.

“But they are trapped in a planning system of endless delays and obstruction.

“When applications are in limbo or we are blocked from building new poultry housing – or upgrading ventilation and windows in older units – it stymies growth and directly harms on-farm innovation and efficiency.

“Without urgent change, we risk displacing British production with chicken produced overseas – from countries where food is allowed to be produced in ways that are illegal here.”

Consultation

The government has in fact already embarked on a mission to improve planning processes, publishing a draft national planning policy framework (NPPF) and associated consultation on 16 December last year.

The consultation closed on 10 March and a formal government response is awaited.

At the time of the launch, housing secretary Steve Reed said the idea was to ensure planners give more weight to food production and a default “yes” to applications that directly support rural areas.

A government spokesman said: “We are working closely across government to deliver planning reforms to improve outcomes for nature, whilst enabling farmers and rural businesses to build the infrastructure they need.

“We will be taking all responses to the NPPF consultation into account before finalising the new framework.”

The NFU welcomed the intent of the consultation, but has questioned the extent to which local authorities might actually be obliged to deliver on the new framework.

According to the NPPF draft, planning permission should still be refused if “significant harm” to biodiversity resulting from a development cannot be avoided.

Planning decisions should also prevent new and existing developments from contributing to “unacceptable” levels of soil, air, water or noise pollution.