Following Government commitments to large scale investment in the Animal and Plant Health Agency, headquartered in New Haw, plans are being drawn up to deliver these improvements.
The APHA plays a vital role in UK trade, science and health. Its work underpins all trade in plant and animal products, while its research capacity ensure effective monitoring and response of zoonotic disease – diseases that can pass from animal to humans. Their work has included responding to outbreaks of avian flu, BSE and Bovine TB, as well as investigating reports of covid spreading from humans to animals during the pandemic.
This vital work needs state of the art facilities, and I am delighted this investment is now being made. But any development should also benefit the local community. In addition to world renowned science, the New Haw site also supports the local economy, community, and environment. Employing over 1,000 people on site, it has also agreed for the Holme Farm community project to be created on part of the Defra site, and is undertaking work to improve flood management and increase local biodiversity.
The development plans being brought forward seek to enhance these local benefits further, highlighting opportunities of working with local schools and offering apprenticeships. Before a formal planning application is made Defra have launched a consultation for residents to feed in their views, which is also an opportunity to set out what further local benefits you may wish to see.
This is an ambitious, long-term programme, and it is vital the community is involved throughout. The Science Capability in Animal Health (SCAH) Programme is a 12-15 year project with most of the building work taking place from 2027 to 2032. The current consultation is open until 23 June, and there will also be in person engagement events at the New Haw Community Centre on Thursday 15th (5-8pm) and Thursday 22nd June from 4-7pm. You can see further details of proposals and submit your views online here: https://consult.defra.gov.uk/scah-programme/have-your-say/
