Track for egg laying unit approved near Market Drayton

The proposal to create the track to enable vehicles to access the building in Ollerton, near Market Drayton, has been approved by Shropshire Council.

The council approved plans to create the unit – housing more than 30,000 birds – despite some villagers claiming it would ruin the village and put residents at peril.

Plans for the new access track sparked concerns from Stoke-upon-Tern Parish Council about the lack of passing places on the Stoke-upon-Tern to Ollerton Road.

Shropshire Council also received two letters from local residents who say the proposed locations of passing places are considered unsafe, and are concerned about mud on the road as a result of recent development on the site.

Ian Pick, on behalf of planning agents Ian Pick Associates, said: "The proposal seeks consent for the construction for a further access road to enable vehicular access to the southern end of the building.

"The proposed additional access road has been proposed for improvement in efficiency of the development.

"The proposed access road links to the approved highway access and will be constructed from a hardcore sub base with a surface of compacted crushed stone."

A report by Shropshire Council case officer Philip Mullineux states: "On balance this application is considered acceptable and recommended for approval subject to conditions as discussed.

"The concerns as raised by the parish council and members of the public have now been satisfactorily addressed."

The plans for the egg laying unit, put forward by applicant Andrew Hollins, were approved at a meeting of Shropshire Council's north planning committee.

More than 50 people signed a petition against the proposal and one person changed the village sign from Ollerton to 'Eggerton'.