Environmental Permits Required for Intensive Pig and Poultry Farming

To rear over 2,000 production pigs, an environmental permit is mandatory. An ammonia screening assessment must be requested from the Environment Agency before applying for a new permit or varying an existing one that may affect ammonia emissions.

If the assessment indicates a need, a detailed modelling assessment of ammonia emissions will be required. Applications must be submitted within six months of the assessment. The permit application can be rejected for insufficient risk assessment or management plan details.

Regular inspections ensure compliance, and adherence to the Pig and Poultry Assurance Scheme may lead to annual inspections if eligibility criteria are met. Delays in processing can occur based on application complexity and workload.