Act Now – Oppose Derbyshire Slaughterhouse Application

Phil Kerry has now applied for a Rabbit slaughter facility and dwelling on his Atlow farm site, “The Warren”,  Turlowfields Lane Hognaston, Atlow, Derbyshire DE6 1PZ. This is the same site which was recently investigated by Animal Aid.

Please take the time to send a direct objection to Derbyshire Dales District Council if you are able, as written objections are what carry the most weight when considering a planning application.

Register your opposition at the following link by creating an account and ‘commenting’ on the proposal:
https://planning.derbyshiredales.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=makeComment&keyVal=QNW46UFUGQW00

Alternatively, you can email your objection to planning@derbyshiredales.gov.uk
Include the planning reference 21/00130/FUL along with your full name and postal address in order for it to be valid.

Please feel free to elaborate upon the following bullet points in your objection. Keep in mind that unfortunately, moral objections do not hold weight in planning considerations, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t voice your moral concerns alongside any ‘valid reasons’. Ask for welfare to be made a material consideration during the review of planning permission applications involving animals – particularly in this case as there is NO species-specific legislation protecting the welfare of farmed rabbits in the UK, on-farm or at slaughter.

– The proposed location is near to Carsington Water, a hugely popular tourist attraction. The construction of a rabbit slaughterhouse nearby, a point of great contention in current public attitudes, is likely to dissuade many people from visiting the area.

– In the application form, the question “Does the proposal involve the need to dispose of trade effluents or trade waste?” is answered as “no” – yet the slaughter process again creates a great deal of waste, such as blood and offal, much of which is foul-smelling – yet there is nothing in the proposal to outline how this waste will be dealt with and prevented from contaminating the local area.

– The road on which the slaughterhouse shall be accessed is a narrow lane with poor visibility, the increase in traffic and heavy goods vehicles shall surely cause issues.

– Presumably, the carcasses of rabbits are to be disposed of via waste contractor lorries, AKA “offal wagons” as outlined in previous applications – another source of horrendous smells and disruptive noise.

– Mention the hazardous substances used in fur production and ask how these would be managed, disposed of and prevented from contaminating the surrounding area.

– As rabbit farming and killing is something which is highly frowned upon in current public attitudes, the slaughterhouse and farm would likely attract protests and unwanted attention, disrupting and upsetting locals and visitors to the popular area. Particularly given the widespread attention that the applicant’s recent farm applications to other Councils has drawn via social media and other outlets.

– The elevated buildings would create significant visual harm to the immediate setting and surrounding environment. Large unsightly ‘modern’ styled buildings are not in keeping with the surrounding area, which is largely undeveloped.
– The scale of the proposed development would have an adverse impact on the character and appearance of this tranquil rural area.

– It is becoming more and more challenging for this site to be reverted back to its original state and purpose, a wildlife haven and rich pasture land.

– The use of a rifle as ‘pest control’ 24 hours a day will present a significant safety problem.

– No ecological impact report has been conducted for the proposed site – given the rural location, it is likely to be habitat for multiple animal and plant species, many of which may be endangered or otherwise protected.

– Question why a modern three-bedroomed house claimed to be suitable for 5 occupants is required for the single worker who is needed to live on site. The application states no further employees will be taken on as a result of this proposal.

You can also visit the following link to view useful advice on objecting given by Animal Aid – https://www.animalaid.org.uk/help-stop-a-rabbit-processing-facility-setting-up-at-the-ts-rabbits-derbyshire-site/