Poultry shed to improve birds’ welfare

PLANS have been revealed for a new poultry shed at a Hereford-shire farm and the replacement of six poultry sheds at another.

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But the firms say this is to improve the birds’ welfare rather than to increase their numbers.

Poultry meat supplier Avara Foods, one of Herefordshire’s largest employers, is seeking a ruling (application 253081) on whether a full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) will be needed at its Parkway Poultry Farm near Madley west of Hereford, where it plans to replace its eight “dated” sheds.

‘Although its current environmental permit allows it to rear up to 249,500 broiler chickens at the farm, its commitment to higher welfare and lower stocking density under the Better Chicken Commitment means these currently house around 192,000 birds.