The operator of a poultry unit which ran for four years without an environmental permit has been handed a fine of £9,000 and ordered to pay costs of £2,982.
Ipswich Magistrates' Court heard that Valley Farm Poultry Ltd had stocked between 82,250 and 119,750 birds without a permit since February 2007, even though a permit is needed for any unit with more than 40,000 places for poultry. However, it was not until December 2010 that a consultant contacted the Environment Agency to discuss making an application. The application was submitted in May 2011 and issued in November 2011.
Mrs Anne-Lise McDonald, prosecuting for the Environment Agency, told the court a poultry permit is granted subject to a number of conditions to protect the environment and local communities from the effects of ammonia and methane emissions - particulates that can affect human health - and slurries, wash waters, fuels and chemicals with the potential to pollute.
The court heard the company had also avoided annual subsistence fees.
Managing Director of Valley Farm Poultry Mr Gareth Hart told investigating officers the company had taken on the farm in January 2007 on a short term tenancy with a six month contract and did not know he needed to apply for a permit. He had never received any complaints about smell or noise. He became aware of the need for a permit in 2009 but did not apply as he could not understand the forms. When someone he knew was prosecuted he employed a consultant to help him.
After the hearing Environment Agency officer Stacey Wadsley said, "Although there was no evidence of any adverse affect on the local community or any pollution, the guidance is there to protect both."
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