A POULTRY shed which could house 32,000 free-range hens has been given the go-ahead after councillors opted not to discuss the plans.

East Lothian Council’s planning department had recommended that the building, to the east of Howden Wood, near Gifford, be approved.

No objections from members of the public or the neighbouring Humbie, East and West Saltoun and Bolton Community Council were sent to the local authority about the plans from Howden Eggs Ltd.

According to the planning officer’s report: “Nevertheless, given the history of poultry shed applications in the immediate area, it would be prudent to report this application on the council's weekly scheme of delegation list to allow members an opportunity to decide whether the application should be determined at planning committee of if they are satisfied for a decision to be made on the application under officers' delegated powers.”

When no councillor opted to call the application before the planning committee, it was given the go-ahead by officials.

The building, which is “an extension” to the existing farming operations on the site, will measure 15.5 metres wide and 180 metres in length.

The pitched roof on the building would measure approximately five metres in height.

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The planning officer noted information submitted in a statement submitted by the applicants.

It reads: “Due to the success of the current operations, the applicant is seeking to expand their rural business through the construction of an additional hen shed onsite with a proposed capacity of 32,000 hens – which if granted would give the business a cumulative capacity of 64,000 hens within the two sheds.

“In terms of vehicle movements, the applicant has stated that as the site hosts an existing hen shed unit, any deliveries and collections will be scheduled to service both existing and new sheds as one, limiting vehicular movements associated with the business.

“They state that by managing the two units together, operations will be reduced and the impact likely to be insignificant.

“During the operational phase of the development, any deliveries and collections would be scheduled to service both existing and new sheds as one, limiting vehicular movements associated with the business.”