Monday March 23rd 2026
Woodend Farm, Duns
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Paul Kelly
Investment of £2.2m is earmarked to double production at a free-range egg enterprise on a Berwickshire farm, it has been revealed.
Woodend Farm near Gavinton in Duns has been involved in free-range egg production since 2011.
Planning permission was originally granted in 2010 for the construction of a poultry house accommodating 16,000 birds.
The building was subsequently extended in 2015 to accommodate 32,000 birds.
Now an application has been submitted to Scottish Borders Council seeking permission for the construction of a second free-range poultry house with capacity for 32,000 birds.
Once completed, the development will increase the overall capacity of the enterprise to 64,000 birds across two separate free-range egg production units.
A report with the application states: “The development represents an investment of approximately £2.2 million in the agricultural business and will support two full-time jobs.
“The proposal therefore contributes to the continued viability of the farming business while supporting rural employment and food production.
“The proposed development site lies to the north-west of the existing farmstead within an agricultural field that will also form part of the outdoor ranging area for the hens.
“The site is relatively remote from neighbouring properties. The nearest residential dwelling lies approximately 600 metres to the west of the proposed building. The village of Gavinton is located approximately 1.1 kilometres to the east.”
The proposed development comprises the construction of a modern free range egg production unit together with associated infrastructure required for its operation.
Birds will arrive on site as point-of-lay pullets at approximately 17 weeks of age and will remain within the production cycle for approximately 70 weeks.
Internally the building will contain a multi-tier system incorporating perches positioned above manure belts. Nest boxes will be accessible from the perches and will be connected to an automated egg collection conveyor system.
Eggs will be transported via conveyor to the service area located at the eastern end of the building where eggs will be packed and stored prior to collection.
The report adds: “The proposed development represents a sustainable expansion of an established agricultural enterprise at Woodend Farm.
“The development will support the continued viability of the farming business while contributing to local food production and the rural economy.”
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