Vegan bacon and sausages offered to North Kesteven planners after pig rearing unit refusal

Over 25,000 PETA supporters signed a petition against plans for a 1,920 space pig fattening unit in Harmston which was refused following a virtual meeting of North Kesteven District Council yesterday (Tuesday).

PETA Director Elisa Allen applauded the council for “seeing the light”, she said that is something millions of pigs on UK factory farms are denied until the day they are crammed into a lorry and taken to slaughter .

She said the decision is “good news” for pigs and humans because factory farms, abattoirs, and meat markets threaten everyone’s health by providing a breeding ground for diseases.

“No one needs meat, and it’s time we all moved away from farming and killing animals for food,” she said.

“Once the COVID-19 lockdown is lifted, PETA will send North Kesteven district councillors a hamper of delicious vegan bacon and sausages to thank them for this decision, on behalf of the pigs who have been spared.”

The authority’s planning committee said the business had not provided enough evidence to support its economic need when members met virtually via Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, May 12.

Coun Ian Carrington said: “The submitted details fail to demonstrate the proposal is essential or that its scale is appropriate to that business need.”

The plan was tabled by DF Meanwell Ltd, and would have seen the unit built on land north of Station Road in the village.

Harrison, speaking on behalf of the applicants said: “To be blunt, the application before you is arguably the most scrutinised we have ever submitted.”

He said it had no statutory objections and a “clear recommendation for approval”.

“The family business has an essential need to diversify. We realise several local objections have been received but it’s unfortunate these have been predominantly formulated around misinformation.”

More than 50 emails were received NKDC raising concerns over it being held virtually.

The plans originally attracted more than 400 letters and a 25,000 signature petition of objection against the plans, however, council officers recommended approval.

Objectors to the plans had concern over an inappropriate location, odour, noise, HGV activity and animal welfare.

They said it would adversely affect local businesses.