Council concedes approval for intensive poultry unit was unlawful: report

The district council approved plans for a new IPU in Ingleby, Lincolnshire in June 2026.

In a judicial review claim filed with the High Court, Communities Against Factory Farming (CAFF) challenged this approval in July 2026.

Campaigners from CAFF have also brought a judicial review challenge against Braintree District Council over a decision to approve the expansion of an IPU.

The legal challenge was based on the claim that West Lindsey had failed to consider the full impacts of the chicken waste that would be generated, and had dismissed the need to assess all the environmental impacts.

CAFF, represented by Richard Buxton Solicitors, challenged the council over how it assessed the impacts of manure and dirty water.

Specifically, since the manure produced by the factory farm would have been transported off site, the council considered that there were no indirect effects to assess, which CAFF claimed was a clear legal error.

In response to legal action, the council has reportedly conceded it was wrong to dismiss these indirect impacts.

Maya Pardo, Legal Coordinator at Communities Against Factory Farming, said: “This is a huge win for Lincolnshire residents, wildlife and almost a million chicks a year who will be spared a lifetime of suffering inside these desolate factory farm sheds.

“It was deeply irresponsible for the council to approve yet another intensive chicken farm. Factory farms are destroying our countryside, making rivers run green and turning life into a nightmare for rural residents.

“Communities are against factory farming and will make their voices heard to prevent a destructive industrial takeover of cruel intensive farming. Rather than expanding intensive animal agriculture, we urgently need to reduce our meat consumption.”

West Lindsey District Council was approached for comment, but as legal proceedings are underway, the local authority has declined confirm its position or provide a statement at this time.

Harry Rodd