Controversial plans for a 40-acre free-range egglaying unit for 16,000 birds in Shropshire are being recommended for approval – despite more than 40 objections from residents.

But the leader of Telford & Wrekin Council has demanded the scheme – proposed for Lilleshall – goes before the council’s plans board for discussion.

Councillor Andrew Eade claims the unit would “stick out like a sore thumb” and was “simply not acceptable”.

Farmer Richard Tomkinson wants to build the plant on land off Kynnersley Drive in Lilleshall. His planning application will be discussed by the council’s plans board on Wednesday.

The poultry unit would be used to house free-range laying hens and for egg collection and packing.

A pre-meeting report to board members says: “The feeding regime and egg collection would take place by means of automated systems, while the birds would be free to go out into the adjacent field during daylight hours. The unit would not contain an incinerator.”

The council has received 41 letters and e-mails about the scheme from residents.

Councillor Eade, ward member for Lilleshall, said: “Like many people living in the community, I oppose this application. It will stick out like a sore thumb and give rise to noise, health and traffic issues and will be a blot on the landscape.”

However, officers are advising plans board members to approve the scheme.