Hethel Hens, a local egg producer at Potash Farm in Hethel, had applied to place a static caravan on the site so an employee could deal with late night emergencies that could cause “serious financial consequences”.

The employee, David Brown, currently lives in a bungalow 750m away from the site, and the firm argued that the brief drive to the 12,000 hens was too costly and could lead to a loss of birds. 

The entrance to Potash Farm (Image: Gogole)

The Howlett family, who manage the business, also said the application was essential as they needed to move into the existing home assumed by Mr Brown as they are currently “crammed in” with a grandmother. 

However South Norfolk Council’s planning committee refused the application, arguing the current farmhouse’s location was near enough already and that the family should install monitoring systems instead.

The supporters of the scheme argued otherwise. 

The agent speaking in support of the scheme said emergencies at poultry farms are “time critical” and similar applications had been approved at other farms. 

Plans to expand the Lotus Cars site in Hethel have been approved (Image: Steve Adams)

“A delay of even a few minutes can result in the loss of birds and serious financial consequences," he said.

He added that the need for on-site accommodation had been heightened due to an ongoing Avian flu crisis, and that forcing a worker to travel in and out of the farm increased the risk of the disease spreading to other flocks.

Ward councillor Jim Webber said the family is growing and may be forced to move into the farmhouse anyway, which would leave Mr Brown without a home.

South Norfolk HQ at the Horizon Business Centre (Image: Denise Bradley)

He said: “If this application is not approved, the key worker is likely to be homeless. 

“My research suggests he would need to commute from Wymondham, a ten-mile round trip, probably twice a day, six days a week. 

“That is neither practical nor sensible. A mobile home a few yards from the hen house is unquestionably the more sustainable option.”

Despite their appeals, the application was rejected by five votes to two, with councillors describing the plans as an eye sore and agreeing with the officers’ recommendation to refuse.  

© Eastern Daily Press