Controversial plans to build a poultry unit to hold 32,000 chickens near Shawbury have been given the go-ahead - despite more than 60 objections.Opponents were concerned about possible health risks and noise from the site off Muckleton Road.
But district councillors voted unanimously to back the plans yesterday.
Martin Wilkinson, for the objectors, told the meeting people were worried about biosecurity and Asian Flu.
“Strength of feeling in the rural community is reflected by the 66 letters of objection,” he said. “The size and scale is not acceptable to the adjoining neighbours and neighbourhood.”
Principal planning officer Karen Townend told the meeting waste would be regularly removed from site, ensuring the potential for fly infestation was minimised.
Stephen Locke, speaking on behalf of applicant Heal Farms, said: “The reason th- is site was chosen carefully relates to a number of issues.
“The access is good and will be further improved. Despite objections it’s primarily away from residential dwellings.”
He added: “We fully accept local objectors would perceive issues regarding environmental issues. Heal Farms already operates another shed at The Hazles and flies are not an issue. Fly control is part of the required process.
“The smell from this type of shed is also virtually non-existent. This is confirmed by the site at The Hazles, which does not have any smell or dust. There will be no smell for the local residents. The building does not produce any noise.”
Councillor Simon Jones, who represents Shawbury, said it already suffered from flies and smells from egg production. “This particular one is going to be closer than the others,” he said.
3 Comments
Yes. Whatever we do we must not have rural activities like farming in rural areas.
They should be done in, err, well, not anywhere near me! I bought my former farm worker’s cottage to escape to the country! Etc., etc.,
Seems a backward step when most people are waking up to the fact that the ‘factory production’ of hens is gross and more and more consumers are turning to free range chicken etc. And I worked for many years on a battery hen farm and it is gross!
In response to Matt, I have lived and worked in the countryside most of my life. The objections are not that this is a farming practice, i doubt that many would object if the paramount thing was the welfare of the chicken but it is not it is money! if you saw these birds you would realise that.