Divided opinions over plan for poultry sheds near Shrewsbury

Environment Agency officials have raised no objections to controversial plans to build giant poultry units in a village housing nearly 150,000 chickens.

The agency says plans for the three units and access road at Foxholes in Little Ness, near Shrewsbury, are acceptable, but they want applicants GC Davies & Co to abide by conditions, including following surface water drainage rules and dealing with any contamination in the correct manner.

Dozens of residents have written to Shropshire Council both for and against the plans and the proposal has divided opinions of parish councils in the area.

Objectors fear the plans will bring noise, smell and traffic problems while supporters say the proposal will create jobs and bring sustainable business to the area.

The Campaign to Protect Rural England has opposed the plans, claiming they will affect visitors' enjoyment of the Nesscliffe Hill Country Park. In its response letter to the consultation, the Environment Agency says the plans are acceptable.

The letter said a permit was granted to the applicant in 2010 for poultry rearing sheds. It said: "For the determination of the permit, we undertook air quality screening including ammonia emissions, and concluded that there are likely to be no adverse effects at any of the nature conservation sites in recommended screening distance."

The agency's letter also said it had no concerns regarding air quality.

Great Ness and Little Ness Parish Council objects, citing traffic and noise concerns.

But the nearby Baschurch Parish Council has supported the application on condition that traffic uses the prescribed route.

A bid for five poultry units at Little Ness, was rejected in 2010 and an appeal was thrown out last year. Shropshire Council hopes to determine the bid by July 11.