More than 170 object to Shropshire chicken units plan

Planning officials have been bombarded by more than 175 objections over controversial plans to build six poultry units housing 330,000 chickens in Shropshire.

Bosses at Vantage Farm in Bletchley, near Market Drayton, have lodged plans with Shropshire Council for the scheme, which would create three jobs.

But dozens of residents, supported by campaigners from People for Ethical Treatment of Animals, are fighting the proposals.

In May, Peta officials vowed to urge their members to object to the scheme, and now dozens have done so. In all 184 people have commented on the planning application, with only a handful saying they support the scheme or are neutral to it.

The applicants insist the chicken farm is suitable for the location and would be a sustainable economic development benefiting the local economy. But objectors fear the development could spark problems with road safety, noise, traffic and odours.

Moreton Say Parish Council has formally objected to the plans but farming leaders from the NFU have said it would be a real boost for the farming industry locally.

Documents lodged with Shirehall suggest the development would see more than 300 lorries arrive at the farm every few weeks.

Campaigners against the plans have also joined a Facebook page called Bletchley Broiling Point to rally support.

One objector, John Blessington, told planners: "There is a school close to this site. It would seem unfair to require the school to have its windows closed in hot weather."

Documents lodged with Shirehall suggest the development would see more than 300 lorries arrive every six to seven weeks.

It would produce more than 5,000 tonnes of meat a year and applicants say there could be more jobs created if the scheme is given the green light.