Thorolds Paddock, in the heart of Castor — nestled between family homes, a commercial chicken farm was approved by Castor Parish Council (CPC) in January, 2025.

This includes plans to slaughter poultry on-site — right next to homes, gardens, footpaths, a children’s play park, and local allotments!

According to the Castors Pastures [sic] website, chickens will be processed (“humanely slaughtered”) on-site.

Nearby residents have not been informed—and many are only finding out about the details now. Why?

If allowed to proceed, this development will bring:

•  Foul smells and poor air quality
•  Constant noise from hundreds of chickens clucking 
•  Increased traffic on the narrow Allotment Lane
•  Vermin, flies, foxes and pest infestations
•  Environmental and water pollution risks
•  Threats to wildlife and potential health risks (including bird flu)
•  Loss of enjoyment of your garden  
• A drop in property values

This is not just a small-scale agricultural addition or a hobby farm—it’s a commercial endeavour on our doorstep, with serious consequences for our quality of life, environment, and potentially our safety.

We demand complete transparency from the Castor Parish Council (CPC). 

We want the complete details of the proposal Mr Tom Parker (the new tenant of Thorolds Paddock) presented to the CPC in December 2024 to be made public before the next Parish Council Meeting on Thursday, 3rd April. We also want a proper consultation with the residents who will be most affected.

Please help us Make Our Concerns Heard.

👉 If you share any of these concerns, please sign this petition now.