PLANS by one of the largest independent organic poultry producers in Wales to extend their Pembrokeshire facilities have been given the go-ahead by the national park.

In an application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Walwyn’s Castle-based Capestone Organic Poultry Ltd, through agent Harries Planning and Design Management,sought permission for a new storage shed on site.

A supporting statement said: “Capestone Organic Poultry Ltd is an established farming enterprise (established over 20 years ago) and has grown into a large independent poultry producer, processing between 40 and 50,000 chickens a week.

“A large range of activities associated with the rearing and killing of poultry (chickens and turkeys), the preparation of various products and subsequent dispatch of products occurs within Capestone Farm.

“Capestone Organics has also expanded into the processing of organic beef, lamb, pork, and salmon. The complex comprises a mixture of conventional portal frame sheds and stone buildings throughout the complex, which have been expanded and altered over the years as the business has grown.”

It added: “The proposed storage shed is to be located adjacent to the existing loading bay located to the north of the complex. The proposed shed will be a conventional portal framed structure, with insulated box profile sheet elevations to match existing buildings on site.

“The existing access to the site is to be retained, and there will be no increase in capacity of workers on site. The proposed shed will allow better access to storage, will help to facilitate daily operations and will help the business run more efficiently.”

An officer report recommending approval said Capestone Organic Poultry Ltd is one of the largest independent organic poultry producers in Wales; the proposed building measuring approximately 30 metres in length, 15 metres in width, and six metres to the ridge, providing a total floor area of approximately 450 square metres.

It added: “The proposed storage shed at Capeston Farm is considered an appropriate development within the established farm complex. It respects the landscape character [of St Bride’s Bay], preserves nearby heritage assets, and safeguards residential amenity.”

The application was conditionally approved by park officers.

ANIMAL health officers are carrying out visits across the Pontyberem area after a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza was confirmed in local poultry.

The Welsh Government has put in place a 3km Avian Influenza Protection Zone and a wider 10km Surveillance Zone around the infected premises. These controls are designed to limit any further spread of the disease.

Council officers will visit every address within the zones – including homes, farms, smallholdings and businesses – to provide information and ensure keepers understand the restrictions now in force. Any location where poultry or other captive birds are kept must follow strict movement and biosecurity requirements. A map of the zones and full details of the rules are available on the Welsh Government website.

The strain identified in Pontyberem is one adapted to birds and is considered to present very low risk to human health. Households and businesses that do not keep birds are not required to take any action.

Cllr Aled Vaughan Owen, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Decarbonisation and Sustainability, said:

“The confirmation of avian influenza in the Pontyberem area is very sad news for the keeper involved, but I want to reassure residents that the risk to people is very low.

“I would urge anyone who keeps poultry or other captive birds within the affected zones to follow the enhanced biosecurity measures. Keepers elsewhere in Wales must also comply with the all-Wales prevention zone that came into force on 13 November.”

Residents are reminded that dead wild birds – including swans, geese, ducks, gulls and birds of prey – should be reported to the Defra Helpline on 03459 33 55 77 (option 7).

THE WELSH CONSERVATIVES have welcomed a new announcement from Conservative Party Leader Kemi Badenoch outlining her proposals to safeguard the future of the UK’s farming industry.

During a press conference earlier today, Ms Badenoch pledged to scrap what the party describes as the “Family Farm Tax”, cut red tape, reduce bureaucracy, lower energy bills and step up efforts to tackle rural crime. She told supporters that the Conservatives “understand what farmers are going through” and would ensure their voices are heard.

Commenting on the announcement, Welsh Conservative Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Samuel Kurtz MS, said Labour in both Westminster and Cardiff Bay had “made it clear they do not understand rural life.”

“Farmers are facing immense pressures from rising costs, uncertain markets and changes to agricultural policy,” he said.

“Labour’s family farm tax, their inability to deal with rural crime, high energy costs and unnecessary red tape could all be the final straw for many. Today’s announcement reiterates that the Conservatives are the only party standing with our farming communities.”

Mr Kurtz added that the Welsh Conservatives’ own plan for agriculture, combined with the pledges set out by Ms Badenoch, would help the sector “thrive”.

“Farming in Wales needs a friend,” he said, “and that friend is the Welsh Conservatives.”