Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, what guidance his Department gives planning authorities on the extent to which they should assess the cumulative effect of intensive chicken units on the environment and local communities in determining planning applications relating to such units.

Local authorities across England must have regard to the National Planning Policy Framework. This asks local authorities to assess the needs of the food production industry and resolve any associated planning barriers, but also to recognise the character and beauty of the countryside and prevent unacceptable levels of pollution. Local authorities have to assess each proposal on its facts and merits in the light of the Local Plan, of national planning policies, and all other material considerations, including the views expressed by local people. They can also assess the cumulative impact of numbers of such premises on the area.