136. Another issue, more peripheral to bird welfare, relates to pollution controls. Should it be necessary to build additional houses for birds, the problems of obtaining planning permission and the possibility of pollution control difficulties, particularly in nitrate sensitive zones, may be a relevant factor. This may mean that new, large-scale livestock production would have to be moved progressively from these latter areas so might discourage the development of new facilities.
137. We urge planning authorities to take account of animal welfare considerations when reaching decisions. We have been told by some farmers of free range hens that planners may require hen houses to be positioned close to the perimeter of fields making them less visible to passers by. This does nothing for hen welfare and ideally the house should be towards the centre of the field to aid rotation, etc. The planning authorities should also bear in mind that some of the recommendations in this report are likely to lead to an increased requirement for housing in other types of system. Considering the importance placed on animal welfare by some members of the public, it is essential that this aspect is not overlooked.
138. Planning authorities should accept animal welfare as an important factor when siting poultry houses. Where necessary, planning officials should seek expert advice from those with experience of hen welfare.