Plans for a major new free-range egg enterprise housing almost 40,000 hens on farmland outside Armagh are out for consultation – with all 592 tonnes of annual manure earmarked for export to Scotland as organic fertiliser.
The planning application was lodged on behalf of David and Thomas Nicholson, of Keady Road, Armagh.
The plans also include four feed bins, a storage shed, a NAP-compliant (Nutrient Action Programme) slurry tank, and all associated site works.
The site is currently being used as agricultural land, according to the planning application form.
If planning approval is granted, poultry litter will be spread on land in Scotland, as confirmed in a letter from both the applicant and Robert Capper, representing Auchans Farm in Johnstone.
The letter states: “I, David Nicholson of 147 Keady Rd, Armagh, would like to confirm that I will supply the total 592 tonnes of poultry free-range layer manure from my proposed poultry unit at lands near 147 Keady Rd, Armagh, to Robert Capper, Auchans Farm, Johnstone, for land bank application under their control.
“I, Robert Capper, Auchans Farm, Johnstone, would like to confirm that I will take and use the 592 tonnes of poultry free-range layer manure from David Nicholson of 147 Keady Rd, Armagh, for land bank application on land under my control.
“The above contract will operate for a period of three to five years from date of first operation between David Nicholson and Robert Capper.”
The exported manure will be used as an organic fertiliser, according to correspondence from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA).
The agencies being consulted are DAERA, NIE Craigavon, DfI Craigavon Office, DfI Rivers, NI Water, Historic Environment Division, Shared Environmental Services, NI Environment Agency and the ABC Environmental Health department.
