The Environmental Law Foundation (ELF) has said Breckland Council is danger of "maladministration" by stalling on its decision on two planning applications submitted by the site in Stow Bedon.

Cherry Tree Farm, run by food firm Cranswick, expanded in 2021 to house 7,000 pigs but buildings were found to have been built differently to the approved plans.

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

The facility put in a retrospective planning application in 2021 to reflect what had been built, but the council has yet to issue a ruling.

Time is running out to for authority to make a decision, as the elements built without the correct permissions could become immune from enforcement action.

Since the expansion, villagers have made hundreds of complaints about strong smells of ammonia, a pungent gas that comes from manure and urine, which can be emitted at high levels at intensive livestock farms.

It does not remain in the environment for long, as it rapidly reacts to form ammonia compounds. However, it has a strong acidic smell and can cause irritation to the eyes, nose and throat.

Cherry Tree Farm houses up to 7,000 pigs (Image: Matthew Usher)

RULES BREACHED

Cranswick was forced to make........

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