A Roxburgh egg farm has been given the go-ahead to expand and modernise its operation.
The Central Otago District Council hearings panel yesterday released a report granting consent for Central Gold Eggs Limited to replace its current chicken-cage structure with a new 1056sq m "colony'' system cage shed.
Owners Stuart and Karen McKerchar said this technology would be required in the industry under law by 2022.
The new shed would cater for an increase in chicken numbers on that site, from 12,000 to 20,000.
The McKerchars also have 5000 free-range hens elsewhere in the Teviot Valley.
All affected neighbours approved, except for Carl Feinerman, who opposed the application in a written submission expressing concern about the size and the potential for increased stench attracting
flies.
At the panel meeting last month, Mr McKerchar said the new shed would actually reduce the smell and number of flies through its drying system.
It would also improve bird health, he said.
The company employed 12 people, which could increase by four or five due to the expansion.
The panel report said the application was "not contrary to the relevant objectives and policies of the operative district plan'' and approved it with 14 conditions.
