Amber Real Estate Investment (Amber REI) has formally started a planning process to deliver upgraded and new poultry processing facilities in the future at Coupar Angus, the primary poultry processing plant in Scotland.
The proposal is for a £65 million low carbon state-of-the art facility at Coupar Angus on neighbouring land to the current plant, which the company currently owns. This would unlock the existing site for alternative uses. These may include residential, general industrial, storage or distribution uses.
There is also an intention to submit a planning application to upgrade the current facility.
The company said the investment would generate significant benefits to the local and wider economies, sustaining jobs and supporting the supply chain, as well as improving standards in the sector.
Two Proposal of Application notices (PAN) have now been submitted to Perth and Kinross Council, heralding the intent to submit planning applications following community consultation.
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.
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 feed mill and provision of 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
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.”
