Chicken farm expansion plan likely to win approval
Plans which could see a chicken farm expand to accommodate more than 100,000 extra birds look likely to be approved next week.
The proposed development near Craven Arms, by J L Jones and Co, would see the total number of chickens on the farm rise to almost 400,000.
Members of Shropshire Council's south planning committee are being recommended to approve the application when they meet on Tuesday.
Members will hear that J L Jones and Co currently runs a successful poultry business at Manor Farm, near Wistanstow.
The farm has chicken sheds which have been built in stages since 1997. There are now eight broiler houses accommodating 287,000 standard-sized birds.
A report to next Tuesday's meeting by planning officer Tim Rogers says: "Due to the demand for poultry, it is proposed to erect two additional buildings.
"The additional buildings will house a maximum of 51,513 standard birds in each building leading to a total increase in bird numbers of 103,026."
The two buildings would each measure almost 358ft by 79ft and be 432 yards from the nearest buildings on the site.
The sheds would steel-framed with insulated metal sheeting on the walls and roofs. A yard area would be to the front of the buildings to allow vehicle access.
The report adds: "There would be no use of high-intensity lighting and there would be no light-spill outside."
Members will hear that landscaping would lessen any adverse visual impact. The meeting will hear that three people objected.
