Poultry farm rejected over river pollution risk

The decision to refuse permission was based around the proposed development causing significant harm to the River Kennet

Plans to expand a poultry farm have been rejected by the local authority over concerns it will have a detrimental impact on nearby rivers.

Local environmental campaigners have described the decision to block a new facility at Bradfords Farm, near Newbury in Berkshire as a "victory for rivers".

The proposed structure would have housed 32,000 chickens but West Berkshire Council's decision was based on concerns that "harmful effects from groundwater pollution and surface water runoff" would feed into the River Kennet.

Alistair Darby, CEO for landowners Sir Richard Sutton Limited, denied the expansion of the existing farm would lead to more fertilizer ending up in the river.

Sutton Estates had planned to demolish the six existing poultry houses on the site, and replace them with a new purpose-built unit.

West Berkshire Council listened to arguments from campaigners that there would be an increase in phosphorus and nitrogen deposition.

Nitrogen and phosphorus are essential nutrients for ecosystems, but when excess amounts accumulate in rivers, they cause a process known as eutrophication, that increases algae and reduces oxygen levels, which can harm aquatic life.

The planning objection was spearheaded by local community activists Action for the River Kennet (ARK) and the Angling Trust, with support from River Action.

Together they described the news as "another clear sign that the tide is turning against industrial factory farming that pollutes and degrades our rivers".

'Common sense has finally prevailed'

The River Kennet is one of 260 chalk streams in the world, and home to critically endangered species like the European eel.

CEO of River Action and local resident James Wallace said: "The rejection of this damaging proposal is a victory for rivers, wildlife, and the united voices of concerned local residents, and further evidence that the days of factory farms wrecking our waterways may be numbered."

Former Reading West MP and head of policy at the Angling Trust, Martin Salter said: "I'm so pleased that common sense has finally prevailed" adding that those that love Berkshire's chalkstream "can breathe a sigh of relief".

Mr Darby, who represents Sutton Estates, explained "what we are trying to do as responsible farmers is reduce our carbon footprint".

He said: "We have been undertaking improvement works over the last few months in partnership with the Environment Agency."

He added: "The last thing we want is fertilizer running off into rivers.

"We all care passionately about the River Kennet and we want to reassure everybody it is not in our interest in any way to pollute that river."