Mega farm housing 2,000 pigs planned for Shropshire
A huge 'American-style' pig farm housing up to 2,000 animals could be built in the Shropshire countryside – to the anger of nearby residents.
Plans have been unveiled for two large livestock buildings at Upper House Farm in Upton Cressett, near Bridgnorth. Each building is expected to house up to 1,000 pigs if the plans put forward by R & Y Cantrill & Son are approved. But landowner William Cash is against the scheme
Mr Cash, who owns nearby Upton Cressett Hall, says the proposed development will create noise and air pollution and would be less than 500 metres away from his home and the hamlet's St Michael's Church.
But agents acting on behalf of the applicants have said the development would be enough distance from nearby homes to comply with planning guidelines and efforts would be made to reduce noise or odour.
Mr Cash has already set up the Stop Bridgnorth Windfarm Action Group in opposition to proposals for two 230ft turbines being built in nearby Upton Park.
He said: "First it was a threat from windfarms, now it is an American-style mega intensive industrial pig farm by another local farmer, just 500 metres from the gardens and grounds of Upton Cressett Hall and less than 450 metres from the church of St Michael. The two giant facilities will be for around 2,000 pigs to start with.
"I'm deeply concerned that the air and noise pollution from the industrial farm could greatly harm and damage the visitor experience to the Church of St Michael as well as award-winning Upton Cressett.
"The hamlet is rightfully regarded as a jewel of Shropshire heritage."
Angela Roberts, of Madeley Chartered Surveyors, representing applicants R & T Cantrill & Son, states in a design and access statement: "The separation distance from any protected dwellings is at least 400 metres.
"The distance of the proposed building is in accordance with the Environment Agency and Environmental Protection Regulations.
"The enterprise requires specialist buildings to house the pigs utilising a high welfare housing system."
All details of the planning application are available on the Shropshire Council website. It is hoped the application will be determined by February 26.
