Decision on 'smelly' pig farm in Norfolk delayed
A decision was due to be made this week
Villagers have been left furious after a council delayed a decision over a controversial pig farm they say is causing noxious smells.
Cherry Tree Farm in Stow Bedon expanded to house 7,000 pigs in 2021 but it later emerged it had been built differently from the approved plans, sparking a row with locals.
Breckland Council members were due to make a key decision on whether or not the breaches should be allowed this week.
But Cranswick, which operates the facility, has been unable to provide evidence to support its application to show it will not pollute neighbouring conservation areas.
The authority decided to delay the meeting, due to be held this week, to allow the food giant more time to provide the necessary information.
It is the second time the council have pushed back making a decision.
But villagers living near the site, who have complained of suffering from noxious smells caused by ammonia, a gas emitted through animal waste, believe the company has been given long enough.
Ann Cuthbert, a nearby resident who has made frequent complaints to the Environment Agency about the farm, said: “Cranswick have repeatedly failed to provide sufficient evidence that Cherry Tree Farm can operate without polluting Breckland’s Special Area of Conservation.
“Locally, residents are furious. In absence of evidence, we understand that only a refusal would have been possible.
“Stow Bedon should not be treated as a sacrificial village accommodating an industry that has not shown it can operate without damaging people or the environment.”
A Cranswick spokeswoman said: “We are continuing to work with Breckland Council to share relevant information within agreed timelines and to determine next steps.”
Breckland Council said it has requested more information in order for the application to be determined at a later date.