An application for a permit to operate a poultry farm in Barkston housing 330,000 birds has been submitted to The Environment Agency.

Mercer Farming Ltd has applied for the environmental permit to run a broiler rearing unit out of six buildings at its former Barkston Heath Pig Unit site.

A report to the Environment Agency says Beech Farm poultry operations will consist of six fan-ventilated poultry houses which will allow 330,000 birds under current legislative/welfare stocking density.

The birds will arrive at the buildings at a day old and taken away for the table when they reach around 40 days old.

With seven days between each batch of new arrivals, the company anticipates seven to eight cycles a year - more than 2.5million chickens a year.

The report states: "Before bird arrival the house will be pre-warmed by hot water blown air heaters.

"Temperature and humidity will be automatically controlled and closely monitored on a daily basis to achieve a target level of 21º C, post brooding, and a relative humidity of 60 to 65 percent, which is important to minimising emissions.

"Ventilation is controlled by a negative pressure system using roof-mounted extraction fans with side wall air inlets, with gable fans for summer cooling.

"Water is via a nipple drinking system.

"Birds will be fed a minimum of three diets during their growth, with gradually reducing levels of protein and phosphorous as bird age increases.

"Feed is...distributed to the birds via a pan feeding system.

"Litter will be removed off site at end of crop cycle and sold.

"The farm will then be pressure-washed disinfected, dried out prior to the cycle beginning again."

Chickens that die during the 'production cycle' will be collected and recorded daily and stored in sealed containers awaiting regular collection under the National Fallen Stock Scheme by a licensed collection agent.

Mercer Farms says ammonia emissions will be reduced by lower protein feed, containment of wash waters will prevent pollutants being released to the environment and management plans will be put in place to reduce odour and noise.

The environmental permit application is currently out for public consultation.