£3m investment into free-range egg facility
Investment of £3m has been announced for a new free-range egg facility in Berwickshire.
The development of a hen shed for up to 24,000 free-range laying hens has been earmarked for land west of Stuartslaw Farmhouse in Chirnside near Duns.
An application for planning approval was submitted this week to Scottish Borders Council by Maclean Eggs Limited.
Stuartslaw Farm was purchased by the MacLean family in August this year.
It has been and will continue to be farmed as a mixed system growing arable crops with cattle and sheep grazing the land.
The proposed free-range egg laying unit would increase UK capacity for eggs produced under higher-welfare husbandry standards.
This is particularly relevant in light of evidence that UK egg imports have risen substantially in recent years with the associated concerns which have been raised about whether some imported products align with UK animal welfare expectations.
Recent reporting indicates that UK egg imports have surged by around 60 per cent since 2021, with increasing contributions from Ukraine and Poland.
A report with the application states: “We currently employ over 20 permanent staff members and this new free-range egg unit will provide an additional two full time and two part-time posts employment opportunities.
“Our plans represent an investment of approximately £3 million in the agricultural business (not including the purchase price of the farmland) and will support new employment opportunities.
“The proposal therefore contributes to the continued viability of our farming business while supporting rural employment and food production.
“Planning applications for poultry housing are an emotive subject. However, free-range farming can only be accommodated in the countryside.
“The proposed site is well contained in an area which is already home to a diverse range of established industrial and agro-industrial operations.
“This shed will sit in a natural depression in the field and due to its low ridge height will barely be visible as views are already filtered by trees and hedgerows.
“We believe our plans comply with local and national policies and that subject to scrutiny of the statuary consultees and subsequent planning conditions; our application should be supported.”