MP raises environmental concerns over proposed Norfolk ‘megafarm’

A Labour Member of Parliament has voiced opposition to proposals for establishing a ‘megafarm’ in Norfolk. The food production company Cranswick intends to enlarge an existing facility in Methwold, enabling it to annually raise millions of chickens and tens of thousands of pigs within the county. Terry Jermy, the representative for South West Norfolk, has communicated with the Environment Agency, asserting that the planned construction would “adversely affect people and biodiversity”. A spokesperson for Cranswick stated that the initiative aims to establish a sustainable and contemporary farm, contributing to the provision of affordable food. Cranswick, a producer of pork and chicken, supplies its products to prominent supermarkets. The company seeks to dismantle current poultry sheds on the property and erect 20 new structures to accommodate 870,000 chickens. Additionally, it proposes constructing 14 new facilities for 14,000 pigs, alongside housing for personnel employed at the location. The proposed construction site is situated within Jermy’s recently formed constituency. He has formally objected to the Environment Agency regarding the issuance of an environmental permit for this development. He stated, “I have been clear, now and then, with all that have contacted me I am against this proposal. No ifs or buts.” He further elaborated, “In my view it is bad for the environment, bad for animal welfare and bad for local residents. We should be supporting local farmers, improving animal welfare and preserving our environment. This ‘megafarm’ approach achieves none of that and should be rejected.” The development plans have been submitted to West Norfolk Council. Multiple organizations have expressed apprehension regarding the environmental consequences of the scheme, among them the food and farming alliance Sustain and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). A Cranswick spokesperson indicated that the company has endeavored to address locally voiced concerns and plans to provide updates to the local community in the forthcoming weeks. He remarked, “The UK imports a lot of pork and chicken as there is not enough produced in the UK to meet this demand.” He added, “The investment in our farms is made using best available techniques to ensure the most sustainable and efficient sites are developed and improve standards versus those already in operation. It also helps address the need for more security in the UK food chain.” West Norfolk Council reported receiving over 15,500 objections to the proposition, a volume it described as “unusual”. A public consultation period of 30 days concerning the proposal commenced on Wednesday, November 20, and is scheduled to conclude on Friday, December 20. A report from the council examining the scheme is anticipated for release early next year. For updates on Norfolk news, follow BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram, and X. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding our external linking policy is available.