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Coupar Angus poultry plant proposals launched

Amber Real Estate Investment (Amber REI) has formally started a planning process to deliver upgraded and new poultry processing facilities at Coupar Angus, the primary poultry processing plant in Scotland.

Acting on behalf of Amber REI, we have submitted two Proposal of Application Notices (PAN) to Perth and Kinross Council, heralding the intent to submit planning applications following community consultation. We are providing Planning, Economics and Sustainability services for the scheme.

This investment forms part of an ambitious Scottish vision for Amber, realised in part through the proposed delivery of Drumshoreland Garden Community on the site of the company’s poultry farm complex at Clapperton in West Lothian, a project which we are providing Planning, Economics, Heritage, Sustainability and Strategic Communications services for.  

The vision could see post-COVID investment amounting to more than £150 million into the agriculture, food production and tourism sectors nationally, supporting 5,750 jobs and delivering low carbon facilities.

The proposal is for a £65 million low carbon state-of-the art facility on land neighbouring the current plant, which the company currently owns. This would unlock the existing land for alternative uses, which may include residential, general industrial, storage or distribution uses. Appropriate uses will be determined through the planning application process.

There is also an intention to submit a planning application to upgrade the current poultry facility.

Such investment will generate significant benefits to the local and wider economies, sustaining jobs and supporting the supply chain, as well as improving standards in the sector.

Community engagement will now take place in advance of applications for planning permission for works to the current facility, and planning permission in principle for the delivery of a new plant along with redevelopment options for the current site.

This vision for Amber will be realised, in part, through the delivery of Drumshoreland Garden Community, an ambitious £275 million residential-led mixed-use development. This will include around 1,800 homes, including 25 per cent affordable homes (c. 450). Planning applications for this were recently submitted to West Lothian Council.

A combination of the Drumshoreland development and other investment across Scotland in the agriculture, food and tourism sectors could see the potential for £425 million (£275 million for Drumshoreland and £150 million across the rest of Scotland) being invested, supporting 5,750 jobs and delivering new state of the art low carbon facilities.

The initial plan is to improve, replace and expand elements of the Scottish poultry supply chain, strengthening this vital and significant rural employer.

 

This would include:

• Upgrading of the feed mill and provision of a new hotel at Edinburgh Airport.
• New sustainable farming space across West Lothian.
• A new animal feed mill located in the Central Belt in the medium to long-term.
• Medium and long-term investment in the site at Coupar Angus.

These new state-of-the-art low carbon facilities will create jobs both directly and indirectly through the supply chain. The delivery of these improved facilities will also serve to assist in improving standards in the sector while making a major contribution to the Scottish Government’s target of a net-zero society in terms of greenhouse gas emissions by 2045.

Commenting on the proposals, a spokesperson for Amber REI said:

“We are delighted to be working towards planning applications for the facilities in Coupar Angus.

“Our ambitious vision for Scotland, of which Coupar Angus is part, will preserve and create jobs, both directly and indirectly, as well as contributing to delivering a low carbon sustainable future for the agriculture sector.

“We would urge the community to become fully involved in the consultation process and help shape the proposals for our scheme as It progresses.”

Local MP, Pete Wishart, commented:

“Should planning permission be obtained, it will be fantastic to see this potential level of investment being used to upgrade the current processing facility in Coupar Angus, delivering new state of the art low carbon facilities.

“In addition to creating much-needed employment, it is a tremendous opportunity to raise standards by improving the facilities, delivering high-quality production while tackling climate change and delivering a sustainable future.”

Masterplanning and placemaking services are being led by OPEN (Optimised Environments) including integrated architecture and landscape disciplines.

26 March 2021