Council rejects plans for UK megafarm in Norfolk

The proposals, submitted by meat giant Cranswick, sought to construct a vast industrial farming complex in the villages of Methwold and Feltwell. If approved, the site would have included 20 poultry sheds to house 870,000 chickens and 14 pig buildings for 14,000 pigs, all on a disused RAF base.

But after receiving thousands of objections and strong criticism from multiple stakeholders, the council has now formally rejected the application.

The rejection is positive news for animals, people and the planet

The proposals had sparked alarm over the environmental, ethical and public health risks of intensive farming systems. Concerns raised included:

• Air and water pollution from ammonia and waste runoff

• Loss of biodiversity and harm to nearby wildlife

• Road safety and increased HGV traffic

• Biosecurity threats to neighbouring farms

• The immense suffering of animals kept in crowded, unnatural conditions

Residents near another Cranswick-operated site in Stow Bedon had already reported ongoing issues with odour and health, fuelling further resistance to the Methwold and Feltwell proposals.

Annie Evans, UK Farming Campaign Delivery Manager at World Animal Protection, said:

This decision makes it clear that the UK has no appetite for cruel and damaging factory farming. These intensive systems subject animals to appalling conditions, pose serious risks to public health, and contribute significantly to environmental harm.

We’re calling on the UK government to recognise this shift in public sentiment and halt any further development or expansion of factory farms. The future must lie in supporting humane, sustainable farming that respects animals, safeguards our health, and protects the planet.

The tide is slowly turning

The rejection is a clear signal that public support for factory farming is waning, and that local councils are increasingly unwilling to greenlight projects that put animals, communities and the environment at risk.

As the UK moves towards a more sustainable food system, we must ensure that factory farming is left behind. That means:

• No new megafarms

• Tougher planning scrutiny

• More support for high-welfare, climate-friendly farming

This decision is a step in the right direction but fact is that factory farming is still inflicting untold misery on billions of animals in the UK right now. This immense cruelty isn’t ‘another place’ problem, it’s our problem.