PLANS have been unveiled for a processing plant on the edge of Exmoor to butcher and package locally killed deer.
Exmoor Venison Ltd, based in Wheddon Cross, wants to build a venison processing unit on land on Treborough Common.
Planning agent Keelan Owen, of Channel Architecture Ltd, said the company specialised in the processing of venison into food products.
Mr Owen said the site just off the common at Higher Court Farm had been carefully selected to minimise environmental impact while supporting the sustainable processing of locally sourced venison.
The farm currently operated a mixed holding and forestry operation over about 500 acres of land.
Mr Owen said: “The location provides a balance of accessibility to the national park and a reasonable link to larger settlements such as Taunton and Bridgwater via the B3224 and onto the A358, ensuring efficient transport and distribution routes.”
The new development would include a butchering and packaging unit equipped with modern, hygienic facilities, cold storage areas, an outside wash bay to facilitate hygiene and cleaning requirements, and parking and delivery access.
It would be next to a steel-framed forestry building and constructed from similar materials but on a much smaller scale.
Mr Owen said Exmoor Venison aimed to ‘enhance the local rural economy’ by providing a high-quality, sustainable food product sourced from local deer populations.
He said: “The facility will support ethical wildlife management and conservation efforts while creating local employment opportunities.
“Given the increasing demand for sustainable and locally sourced meat products, this development aligns with regional food strategies and contributes positively to the local supply chain.”
Mr Owen said two part-time jobs would be created with skills development in butchery and food production, local supply chain partnerships would be strengthened, and sustainable land management practices supported.
He said it represented a ‘responsible and sustainable business initiative’.