Plans for a new free-range egg farm for up to 12,000 hens have been rejected. 

Highcliffe Farm, at Winston near Darlington, had hoped to build a new agricultural building to boost its egg production. 

The proposal also detailed plans for new feed bins and tanks for the hens. It also detailed plans for a bird housing area alongside an egg store and egg packing area with two external feed bins. 

However, nearly 100 objections from residents supported Durham County Council’s recommendation for refusal. 

Highcliffe Farm, at Winston near Darlington, had hoped to build a new agricultural building to boost its egg production. Highcliffe Farm, at Winston near Darlington, had hoped to build a new agricultural building to boost its egg production. (Image: Google)

Concerns included the impact the development would have on the nearby Winston Bridge holiday park due to odour and noise. One objection also noted how the River Tees could be impacted by foul waste from the chickens polluting the water which would affect water quality and the ecosystem of the river.

David Lobley added: “The Tees is a clean river with healthy fish stocks and wildlife, providing amenity value to a wide range of walkers, canoeists, bathers, and wildlife enthusiasts. I have no wish to see it become a"river where the water doesn't flow and it boils with every poison you can think of" - so this alone makes this application is totally unacceptable.”

Meanwhile, Sandra Todd warned: “If this development went ahead it would completely ruin the tranquility of this area and would have an adverse effect on walkers, holidaymakers, and local residents.”

The plans have been revised multiple times since August 2023. 

Despite concerns over the scale of the proposed farm, the applicant Zoe Huxtable said the average size of free egg units in the UK is 32,000 birds. 

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Access to the development will be provided via the existing farm entrance to the A67, said Ms Huxtable. 

However, the proposal was rejected by Durham County Council’s planning department. A refusal notice read: “The development would result in the loss of a parcel of open land which positively contributes to the character of the local area and wider landscape.

“The development has not provided evidence that its impacts could be adequately mitigated in respect of Nutrient Neutrality and therefore, adverse impacts on the Teesmouth & Cleveland Coast Special Protection Area cannot be ruled out in regard to nitrate.”

The applicant was contacted for comment.