Stow Bedon, a small village in Breckland between Watton and Snetterton, is steeped in history. Its name, meaning “holy place” in Old English, finds itself embroiled in a modern-day controversy. The culprit? A pig farm – Cherry Tree Farm – which has recently ballooned in size, bringing with it a pungent odour that nearby residents say is making their lives a misery.
The issue centres around Cherry Tree Farm, operated by food giant Cranswick. In 2019, the farm significantly expanded, multiplying its stock from 600 sows and piglets to a whopping 7,000 fully-grown pigs. While Cranswick insists it operates within legal parameters and delivers local food and jobs, villagers paint a different picture.
A foul cloud hangs over the village
Residents describe a constant haze of ammonia, a pungent gas by-product of manure and urine, emanating from the farm. This odour, they say, permeates their homes, making it impossible to enjoy their gardens.
Ann Cuthbert, a solicitor who lives a short distance away from the farm says there’s a pervasive smell of ammonia that causes eye and lung irritation. “When the pollution plumes are strong,” she explains, “food tastes like pig urine. Sometimes it can be so strong it is difficult to breathe when walking near the site.”
Hannah Reed, chair of Stow Bedon and Breckles Parish Council, has said the last few years have felt like “banging your head against the wall”.
“It seems like we have exhausted every avenue and there is nothing more we can do about it. At certain times it is disgusting and makes you choke. It should not be affecting people’s health and right to enjoy their home.”
Tessa Fitzgerald, who has lived in her home in Stow Bedon for 22 years, added: “When there is a smell it is quite strong. It depends on the wind direction. I’m sensitive to smells and it can give me an irritated windpipe. “It is not just Cherry Tree Farm – authorities need to consider the accumulative effect of farms and not treat them individually.”
Since the farm’s expansion in 2021, both Cuthbert and Reed have contributed to a staggering 380 complaints regarding the odour have been lodged with the Environment Agency (EA). Investigations revealed the farm breached its permit on 12 occasions, leading to an enforcement notice demanding reduced ammonia emissions.
Planning row
Additionally, the EA discovered discrepancies between the pig buildings and the permitted conditions. Another enforcement notice mandated changes to the site and its operations, including extending chimneys and limiting manure and slurry spreading.
Cranswick responded by making adjustments, including adding chimneys and raising their height after complaints persisted. However, these efforts seem to have fallen short for some residents. The farm’s retrospective planning application to address the building discrepancies ignited a fresh wave of opposition. Over 70 letters of objection were submitted to the local council, Breckland, highlighting the ongoing issues.
While the stench plagues many residents, particularly those closest to the farm, others living farther away report minimal problems. This disparity adds another layer of complexity to the situation. Some residents believe these “normal country smells” are a part of rural life. However, others argue that the intensity of the odour and the potential health risks cannot be ignored.
A spokesperson for Cranswick said: “We continue to work closely with the EA who confirm we operate within the agreed parameters of the permit relating to the local environment.”
The fight for clean air
The company declined to comment on specific health concerns among villagers but said it was aware of locals’ complaints and was “working closely with the EA on this matter”.
While the health effects of vehicle and industrial emissions are well-documented, the potential dangers posed by large-scale farming operations are gaining traction. Research suggests ammonia levels in farming areas are significantly higher, potentially contributing to respiratory problems, cardiovascular diseases, and even cognitive decline.
The village of Stow Bedon has a long and rich agricultural history. But the expansion of Cherry Tree Farm raises a critical question: can large-scale industrial farming coexist with the well-being of a rural community?
The residents of Stow Bedon find themselves caught in the middle. Some fear their village is becoming a sacrifice zone for cheap meat production, while others worry about the impact on the local economy if the farm is forced to downsize.
The rise of mega-farms
Stow Bedon’s story is not unique. There’s a growing trend of mega-farms emerging across the UK, sparking similar concerns in other communities. East Anglia Bylines has reported on factory-farming in China where a single, multi-storey building can house over 80,000 pigs. It’s not inconceivable that some version of this may be built in the UK. The rise of these large-scale operations has ignited debate about regulations, environmental impact, and the future of rural life.
Finding a solution in Stow Bedon will require a delicate dance. The village needs a clear understanding of the health risks posed by the farm’s emissions. Balancing this with the economic importance of the farm and the livelihoods it supports is crucial. Open communication, stricter regulations, and a commitment from Cranswick to minimise odour and emissions could pave the way for a more sustainable future for both the farm and the community.
The story of Stow Bedon is a microcosm of a larger national conversation. As our food system evolves, so too must the regulations and practices governing large-scale farms. Striking a balance between economic viability, environmental protection, and the well-being of rural communities is essential to ensure a sustainable future for all.
