Megafarm plans in Norfolk face opposition

The proposals, spearheaded by UK food industry giant Cranswick, aim to create a huge chicken and pig farming complex across the villages of Methwold and Feltwell. As the public consultation period draws to a close but it’s not too late to have your say.

What are the plans? 

Cranswick, a major player in the UK food industry, has submitted applications to West Norfolk Council for the construction of 20 chicken sheds housing 870,000 birds and 14 pig buildings for 14,000 animals at any one time. This development would sit on land previously used as an RAF base. If approved, the site would occupy an area approximately one-third the size of the O2 Arena in London and cause the suffering of thousands of animals. 

The company describes the proposed farm as a “sustainable, modern” operation designed to produce affordable food, create jobs, and support the local economy. However, such claims have done little to ease concerns among locals and animal welfare organisations. 

Since Cranswick first submitted its proposals two years ago, objections have poured in from residents, animal rights groups, and environmental organisations. Concerns range from road safety and pollution to the farm’s potential impact on biodiversity and local health. 

The experience of residents near other Cranswick sites adds fuel to the fire. At Stow Bedon, a Norfolk village hosting a large-scale pig farm operated by Cranswick, complaints about odours, ammonia emissions, and health issues have been numerous. Despite remedial measures, locals report little improvement, warning Methwold and Feltwell residents of what could lie ahead. 

Impact on local farming 

Local farmers have voiced fears about biosecurity risks and the impact of megafarms on smaller agricultural operations. Intensive farms of this scale can act as breeding grounds for diseases, posing risks to nearby livestock. Farmers also argue that such projects destabilise traditional farming practices, squeezing small-scale operations out of the market. 

What’s Next? 

West Norfolk Council is expected to review the applications early next year. With the consultation period set to close on 24 January 2025, time is running out for residents to voice their concerns. Objections can be submitted directly through the council’s planning portal using the application reference numbers: 

• Feltwell application (pigs): 22/00860/FM
• Methwold application (poultry): 22/00866/FM

The plans for Methwold and Feltwell reflect a wider debate about the future of farming in the UK. While companies like Cranswick argue that large-scale operations are necessary to meet the growing demand for affordable food, we need to highlight the social, environmental, and ethical costs of industrial farming. There is simply no future for it.