PLANNING

In late 2016 a Co. Antrim farmer was granted planning permission to build the biggest pig factory/farm in the UK, to house 17,500 animals indoors, despite fierce local and on-line opposition. The farmer has just submitted a series of amendments to his development. The planning reference is LA03/2015/051/F We are opposing this again. We believe this kind of factory farm causes the the utmost distress to the animals. We believe it causes irreparable damage to the soil, air and water in our environment. We need your help to protect our environment.

PEOPLE

This intensive factory/ farm is less than 150 metres from local homes. There are also two anaerobic bio-digestors on this site also. We are concerned about increased volume of traffic to and from this site on a small rural road network with school bus routes, cyclists, horse-riders and others. We are worried about the slurry from this premises, - it is possible that food waste, as well as slurry and grass/maize will be trafficked in to feed these bio-digestors. All that 'digestate' has to be spread locally, and very real distress is caused to people who have no choice but to inhale the fumes. The pigs have no choice either, as they will live in sheds over the slurry lagoons.

PLACE

The site is a Bronze Age Heritage site, with burnt mounds on it. There are three recorded species of bats in the area, Leislers, Pipistrelles and Soprano Pipistrelles. The site is an area of beauty just outside Belfast, on the edge of the Ulster Way. The wonderful views from this site, can be seen in our main photograph.

Any extra?

If we are fortunate to achieve more than our taget we will divide the excess money between Horizon House [a local childrens respite & hospice] and Friends of the Earth, Northern Ireland..