Eaglescott Airfield faces chicken shed dilemma

Who would be a planning officer in a rural area? On one hand, you’re aware of the difficulties facing farmers and want to encourage their activities. On the other, you’ve a duty to protect others whose business or activity might be threatened.

In this case, Eaglescott Airfield in North Devon is objecting to a planning application to build an agricultural building for free range egg laying chickens. The site for the chicken farm is close to the north-east end of the airfield’s main runway (25/07).

The row is about the increased potential for birdstrikes by aircraft operating in and out of the airfield, including the Devon Air Ambulance which has a base there.

Graham Coates, Landing Site Manager for the Devon Air Ambulance, said, “Devon Air Ambulance (DAA) object to this planning application due to the heightened risk of bird strike impacting on our daily operations.

“The egg-laying facility may also provide a roosting site for wild birds and, as it is presumably located close to where free-range hens will roam and feed outdoors, it may attract other birds.”

DAA also pointed out that their crews need guaranteed road access which may be affected should a case of bird flu be discovered at the site.

Other objectors to the planning application include:

• Simon Tilling of the Light Aircraft Association (LAA)
• Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA)
• British Gliding Association
• Viscount Goschen who operates high light aircraft from Eaglescott
• National Air Traffic Services (NATS) which operates a radar dome close by which may be affected by the chicken shed’s metal structure
• Barry Pearson, airfield owner
• Ann Bartaby of the General Aviation Awareness Council (GAAC) and the Strategic Aerodrome Network, pointed out that CAA document CAP 772 requires aerodrome operators to take account of wildlife hazard management at their aerodrome and highlights the elevated risk of bird strike near agricultural operations.

It should be added that several comments in favour of the farmer’s application were also submitted by pilots. One said, “Flying in Devon is a fantastic gift but we should be very aware that we share the countryside with people who are struggling to make a living.”

No decision has yet been made by North Devon Council. The planning application can be viewed here (application ref 7955).

Eaglescott Airfield