Holbeach Poultry Ltd has proposed the construction of a £10 million poultry farm in Whaplode Drove, aimed at expanding its production capacity to meet rising UK demand for locally-produced chicken.
The project, located on a 9.2-hectare site off Peartree Hill Road, includes plans for 12 chicken houses with a total capacity for over 552,000 birds. The facility would produce approximately 3.87 million chickens annually, with seven production cycles planned each year.
In addition to the poultry houses, the application covers necessary infrastructure such as hard standing and a substation, with a follow-up request for agricultural worker accommodation. The site, which is located in rural surroundings with no nearby residential properties, is expected to employ six staff members, including four full-time and two part-time roles. The company also plans to work with various third-party suppliers, including contractors for cleaning, pest control, and veterinary services.
The proposed facility is expected to have a 50-year lifespan and will feature modern construction materials such as concrete walls, insulated roofs, and extractor fans. If approved, construction is projected to take 24 weeks to complete.
The development is positioned to capitalise on increasing consumer demand for UK-sourced poultry, spurred by Brexit-related shifts in food security concerns and tariff challenges. The poultry sector has seen consistent growth.