Bletchley broiler plan for 300,000 chickens is thrown out
Plans for a broiler unit housing more than 300,000 chickens in six poultry buildings in a Shropshire village have been thrown out by the planners.
Harrison Farms wanted to build the broiler unit at Vantage Farms, Bletchley, near Market Drayton, along with control rooms, feed bins, a biomass store, boiler room and a weighbridge.
But yesterday Shropshire Council's north planning committee unanimously refused permission.
Councillor David Lloyd said he had voted for such poultry units before to help the agricultural economy.
But he said this application was in the wrong place.
"I am keen to try to provide new jobs in rural areas. But this is totally inappropriate development in a totally inappropriate setting."
There had been a call to defer the decision to allow Michaela and Mike Harrison, to make alterations.
But councillors said they wanted to make a decision.
Mary Channer, from the Bletchley Residents' Association, called on councillors to oppose the plans.
"This is not an extension to farming," she said. "This is a major industrial development on the edge of a village and next to a historic hamlet.
"This will ruin the residential amenity of the area."
After the meeting she said she was delighted that the plan had been refused. However, she feared that there would be an appeal.
The plans prompted more than 100 objections.
