My local council are on a mission and use the heavy handed approach all the time. I now have a letter wanting to enter my land because the amount of poultry i have. They believe to be not incidental to the enjoyment of a dwelling house. I have nine rare breeds different numbers of each breed unfortunately that was down to mother nature and various other breeds 90% being pure breeds with a few hybrids for the lazy egg laying months around 80 chooks in total Pekings and sablepoots bantams to a few Brahmas with the rare breed's and some not rare in the middle for size all housed correctly space perches nesting box's all the guideline box's ticked including defera registered. I can not find any law local or national stating keeping this many birds is a problem but my lovely council say its change of use. and want to asses my property even though they can get a copy of the space and land i have from land-registry and i will openly tell them what i have why do they need to look no one can see my chooks as i have secure fencing around my property obviously as to prevent foxes and nosy neighbours and live in a single story area so not one person can see them apart from my neighbour up a ladder that i have caught deliberately banging to scare them overlooking any planning experts or advice gladly apreciated as far as i can see they will not be able to do anything but why start in the first place???? any problems related to chickens are normally through enviro health not planning
planing permission for my chickens !!!!!!!!!
- Thread starter 4x4cos
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chrismahon
Well-known member
They are looking for evidence that you are operating a business 4x4cos. Presumably your neighbour has already tried environmental health and failed to get a response that way so has tipped off the council planning. You need to make sure you have a rat control system in place as that is a legal requirement if there are any around -there will be with that many chickens. They will ask what you do with the eggs and if you sell them who to? Selling a few eggs and birds is fine to cover feed costs, but not to make a profit.
Be nice and polite and they should go away happy.
Be nice and polite and they should go away happy.
Has noise been involved in the complaint? I imagine you may have a few cockerels as you breed your birds.
What exactly are their stated grounds for wanting to inspect your premises, and is the first time you have had a complaint?
What exactly are their stated grounds for wanting to inspect your premises, and is the first time you have had a complaint?
Margaid
Well-known member
What sort of housing do you have? Can it all be moved or is any of it permanently attached to the ground? If the latter, they could make you apply for planning permission.
However, google "Lawful Development Certificate" I can't remember whether "activities" are covered, but you may find if you have kept the chickens for a number of years your situation may be covered by this. They might argue that what you are doing is "change of use". I'm not sure if council Enforcement officers have right of entry, but it's better to be helpful and polite - the poor things get enough abuse and flack and they're only doing their job.
However, google "Lawful Development Certificate" I can't remember whether "activities" are covered, but you may find if you have kept the chickens for a number of years your situation may be covered by this. They might argue that what you are doing is "change of use". I'm not sure if council Enforcement officers have right of entry, but it's better to be helpful and polite - the poor things get enough abuse and flack and they're only doing their job.
Mrs Brewster
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I agree with everyone else, sounds like they are trying to suggest you are running a business.
When i called our council, when i first got my birds. They said the only time they would get involved is if the neighbours complained. Or if a rodent or noise problem developed.
Have you checked your deeds?? this is another thing they could get you on....some deeds state that you cannot keep live stock on your property.
But sounds like someone has complained, i would co-operate as much as possible, but make sure you have all your answers ready and the birds and runs etc are in the best possible condition when they visit.
Good Luck
17
When i called our council, when i first got my birds. They said the only time they would get involved is if the neighbours complained. Or if a rodent or noise problem developed.
Have you checked your deeds?? this is another thing they could get you on....some deeds state that you cannot keep live stock on your property.
But sounds like someone has complained, i would co-operate as much as possible, but make sure you have all your answers ready and the birds and runs etc are in the best possible condition when they visit.
Good Luck
17