Residents angry at new egg unit

ANGRY Kirkpatrick Durham residents have complained that a new egg production unit in their area will be a blot on the local landscape. Eighteen residents and members of Corsock and Kirkpatrick Durham Community Council (C&KDCC) lodged objections with Dumfries and Galloway Council to the development at Whitecairn Farm, which was ultimately passed. Numerous issues were raised, including concerns around an increase in HGV traffic and the unit having a detrimental effect on the beauty of the surrounding area. Wendy Hunter’s family owned Whitecairn Farm for several generations before it was sold in 2013. She attended the recent council planning committee to share her objections, saying: “I feel that the size, sighting and transportation links of the egg production unit are inappropriate for Whitecairn Farm. “This egg production unit will completely change the character of the landscape and all that will be seen from the front garden is a massive industrial shed.” Community councillor William Dickson, who lives near to the farm site, also said: “Over recent years there has been growing congestion in Kirkpatrick Durham, with many heavy vehicles attempting to drive down this very narrow street. “Several cars have been damaged, as well as written off, and village residents are constantly complaining to the community council about the damage. “It’s a very challenging route for any HV and farm traffic, including tractors. “These complaints are endless and have been highlighted to Dumfries and Galloway Council roads (department). He added: “We understand there will be direct employment for two people. We see little economic benefits to our local, let alone regional area. “Effectively it’s a shed in a beautiful rural area for no socioeconomic return.” Whitecairn farm owner Matthew Boyd attended the meeting with his planning agent Sam Harrison. Mr Harrison said: “The council’s road team have fully assessed the predicted traffic movements, access arrangements, visibilities, and vehicle tracking. “Having done so, they have raised no objections.”