Low-carbon improvements are being proposed for Scotland's primary poultry processing plant at Coupar Angus, which form part of a wider strategy that includes a £275 million residential development in West Lothian.

Amber Real Estate Investment (Amber REI) has submitted two Proposal of Application Notices (PAN) to Perth and Kinross Council, signalling the intent to submit planning applications following community consultation.

It forms part of Amber's broader Scottish strategy, financed in part through the proposed delivery of Drumshoreland Garden Community on the site of the company’s poultry farm complex at Clapperton in West Lothian.

Amber says its proposals could trigger a post-Covid investment of £425m across Scotland, providing a boost to the agriculture, food production and tourism sectors.

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The Coupar Angus proposal is for a £65m low-carbon facility on neighbouring land to the current plant, which the company currently owns. This would unlock the existing site for alternative uses that may include residential, general industrial, storage or distribution purposes, as determined through the forthcoming planning application process.

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.

Amber recently submitted planning applications in West Lothian for the delivery of Drumshoreland Garden Community, a £275m residential-led mixed-use development. This will include around 1,800 homes, a quarter of which will be affordable homes.

Amber said its total investment across Scotland could reach £425m, including £275m for Drumshoreland and £150m elsewhere, supporting 5,750 jobs.

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The plan is to improve, replace and expand elements of the Scottish poultry supply chain, strengthening this vital and significant rural employer. This would include: the upgrading of feed mill facilities and provision of new hotel at Edinburgh Airport; a new sustainable farming space across West Lothian; a new animal feed mill located in the Central Belt in the medium to long-term; plus medium and long-term investment in the site at Coupar Angus.

“Should planning permission be obtained, it will be fantastic to see this potential level of investment being used to upgrade the current processing facility in Coupar Angus, delivering new state of the art low carbon facilities," local MP Pete Wishart said.

“In addition to creating much-needed employment, it is a tremendous opportunity to raise standards by improving the facilities, delivering high-quality production while tackling climate change and delivering a sustainable future.”

A spokesperson said Amber REI is encouraging the community to become "fully involved" in the consultation.