An East Lothian free range egg company has applied to build a third shed.
This will allow them to increase the size of its flock and give them more room.
Scott Eggs, which operates out of Howden Farm, near Gifford, says the new shed will have capacity to house 12,000 hens but will only increase the size of its operation by 4,000 new birds as they will be moving some of those in the existing sheds into the new one.
In their application to East Lothian Council planners for the additional building, agents for the firm say it will take their overall number of birds from 32,000 to 36,000 split between the three free range sheds on their land.
They add: “Scott Eggs Ltd are a successful local agricultural business owning and operating free-range hen sheds at Howden Farm.
“The applicant is seeking to expand the business through the addition of this shed. The development strengthens the farm’s output, supports the local economy, and contributes towards food security.”
They also say that providing their eggs “enhances local food production reducing reliance on long-distance supply chains”.
Last year the farm successfully applied for planning permission to place a 67 metre high wind turbine on their land to allow it to produce enough green energy to heat its sheds and operate its business.
In 2023 they also received planning permission to create an underpass to allow their hens to cross a rural road and reach another part of the farm land.
By Marie Sharp Local Democracy Reporter
