Breeding centre for falcons to be exported to the Middle East set to be built in Northumberland

The application site is located at Apple Tree Farm, north of Embleton Steads, and involves the construction of a falcon breeding facility as well as a single storey two-bedroom manager’s chalet.

The falcon breeding facility will include three natural pair blocks each containing 10 chambers and three imprint blocks each containing 10 chambers for hand raised falcons.

Once raised, the falcons will be exported to the Middle East, where falconry is a popular and expensive hobby.

The UK, with its temperate climate, is considered ideal for breeding the birds compared to the high temperatures of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

A report on the applicant’s behalf explains: “The breeding of high quality falcons from good bloodlines and training for racing by the owners is an extremely popular past time in the Gulf States and the reputation of falcons bred in the north of England is second to none.”

However, concerns were raised by Longframlington Parish Council.

Its objection stated: "The site is in open countryside of a pastoral nature and includes housing outside the village boundary all of which will be clearly visible from the C106.

“There is already a large falcon breeding establishment at Canada Farm which has been greatly expanded in recent years. It feels another is not needed or viable and would increase the risk of unintentional release.

"The carbon footprint of these businesses will be huge when all the transport to Saudi Arabia is counted.”

The existing manager at nearby Canada Farm, which raises gyrfalcons and peregrine falcons and also exports them to Middle East countries, will operate the new enterprise.

The accommodation and security arrangements will mean the young high value birds can be given close attention in their first few weeks of life and be checked on a regular basis.

However, the chalet is limited to a period of three years and will be removed for the land to be restored to its former condition once expired.

Planning officers, granting approval, reported: “With respect to Canada Farm there is clear evidence at that site of a well organised and operated enterprise with very substantial investment in new buildings and facilities for the breeding and rearing of falcons.”