The Planning Inspectorate is to hold a hearing on May 12 to examine the bitter dispute over Cranswick’s Cherry Tree Farm in Stow Bedon, an industrial pig farm home to 7,000 animals.

For years, locals have complained of ammonia smells and hazy pollution plumes emitted from the site. They claim they are unable to enjoy their gardens when the wind is blowing the wrong way.

The Cherry Tree Farm in Stow Bedon (Image: Owen Sennitt)

Some have claimed the odour is so strong their throats and lungs are irritated and their food sometimes tastes of urine.

The saga began after the farm expanded from around 700 pigs to around 7,000 in 2021.

Buildings were later found to differ from approved plans, leading Breckland Council to refuse retrospective planning permission last year and issue an enforcement notice, which Cranswick has now appealed.

The company insists it operates within regulations and has installed measures including additional chimney and operational changes to cut odours.

Cranswick saw a retrospective planning application refused last year (Image: Owen Sennitt)

It also claims it is working with authorities to ensure the farm is modern, sustainable and provides local jobs.

However locals continue to raise concerns. 

Since 2021, nearly 700 complaints have been lodged about the site. 

In addition to the noxious smells, locals have also raised concerns about the farm’s proximity to Breckland Special Area of Conservation, a protected habitat sensitive to ammonia emissions.

The Environment Agency has previously investigated complaints and confirmed past permit breaches, though it says improvements have since been made and complaints have reduced.

Breckland Council HQ (Image: Ian Burt)

Locals in Stow Bedon, near Watton, have now launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise money for legal and technical experts ahead of the hearing. 

They are understood to have already raised nearly £4,000 but say they are seeking around £25,000.

Despite the strength of local feeling, the legal battle itself is technically between Cranswick and Breckland Council - with villagers taking part as recognised interested parties rather than direct opponents.

Ann Cuthbert is leading the fundraising efforts (Image: Owen Sennitt)

Ann Cuthbert, who is leading the fundraising effort, said: “We are a small village engaging in a complex planning process involving a major national company. 

“We simply want to ensure the inspector hears the full picture before making a decision.”

For more information, visit: www.chuffed.org/project/165661-stow-bedon-community-action-group

© Eastern Daily Press