Snowdonia’s biggest ever poultry farm has been given planning permission by national park chiefs despite local concerns over potential dust and odour.
Glyn and Janet Pugh, of Ty’n Pwll, Llanegryn, had applied to build the unit on 2,700 square metres of farmland at Fferm Castell Mawr in Llanegryn, which is near six ancient woodlands and three Sites of Special Scientific Interest.
The development, which would be roughly the size of a football pitch, looks set to hold up to 32,000 hens on a free range basis, while also enjoying access to 40 acres of adjoining land.
But a decision on the proposals has been delayed for several months, despite being on the desks of national park chiefs since last autumn.
In March, park planning officers initially recommended refusal for the plans despite the promise that two jobs would be created if given the green light.
But, at the eleventh hour, the applicants requested a deferral to allow them to present more information to prove their claims that it would not generate the amount of noise and smell that neighbours are concerned about.
As a result, the latest officers’ report saw a dramatic U-turn, recommending approval on the basis that the applicants had provided the necessary evidence and that they were satisfied any concerns could be mitigated.
This is despite a social media movement known as "STOP proposed Industrial Poultry Unit in Dysynni Valley Snowdonia National Park", with local residents also voicing concern during the meeting held on Wednesday in Maentwrog.
It noted: “In view of the additional comments presented by the Public Protection Service and this authority’s consultant who have reviewed the additional comments by the applicant on air quality implications following the last Planning and Access Committee, it is evident that any potential loss in neighbouring amenity can be mitigated through conditions attached to a planning approval notice.”
Gerallt Davies, on behalf of the applicants, added that the unit would help to ensure a future for the next generation to carry on, citing the need for farms to diversify in order to survive.
Cllr Elfed Powell Roberts, sitting on the committee, added: “We should be supporting a young Welsh family who are trying to diversify their business.
“Any pollution caused will be minuscule compared to all the visitors that arrive here every year, and I feel that they’ve proven the credentials but are being punished for factors that have been proved to be nothing more than hearsay.
“I understand that its a large shed but it’ll be in a dip and won’t be visible from the main road.”
The plans were passed by 11 votes to four but the applicants will have to adhere to strict conditions including adhering to an Odour Management Plan, restrictions on feed deliveries and construction periods.
Members also discussed the possibility of a further condition that the building must be torn down once it becomes redundant.
