03 April 2025

Press Release

For immediate release

WWF reaction to megafarm application decision

A special planning committee of Borough Council of King's Lynn & West Norfolk have refused permission for an application by Cranswick for two industrial livestock units, which would make up one of the UK's biggest megafarms

Over the past year, WWF has been actively working alongside other eNGOs and the local community of Norfolk to object to the application. The two industrial livestock units conflict with the sustainable farming practices required to prevent the most harmful impacts of climate change and biodiversity loss in the UK and abroad. 

Jake White, Head of Legal Advocacy at WWF said:

"This is a well-deserved win, not just for the environment but for the local community who united to oppose this unpopular, unlawful and unsustainable megafarm.

"We are delighted that the people of Methwold have got the result they wanted following the council's robust consultation process.

"This case is clearly symbolic of broader issues at play across the UK. When considering the most sensible use of our limited land, we must prioritise protecting and restoring nature and supporting farmers to produce healthy, sustainable food. That's why WWF is urgently calling for a new law - the Living Planet Act - to ensure the government takes a ‘joined-up’ approach to climate and nature action so landmark decisions such as today's do not stand alone."

Notes to Editor

About the Living Planet Act

The Living Planet Act is a piece of Westminster legislation that would require the UK government to recognise that nature, climate and food policy are inherently interconnected and be clear about the co-benefits and possible compromises that might be involved in deciding the best use of the precious but limited land and sea it oversees.

The legislation would require future governments to produce plans that clearly demonstrate how they would manage the use of our land and sea resources collectively, in order to meet our climate, nature and nutrition security commitments. The science shows that all three are so closely linked that it makes no sense to try and separate them. To put it simply, if we look after nature, nature will look after us.

For more details on the Living Planet Act, click here.