Councillors oppose plan for game bird breeding near Market Drayton

Plans for Spring Hill Farm in Warrant Road, Stoke Heath, have sparked fears of over-development and it being too close to residents.

Members of Stoke-upon-Tern Parish Council objected to the scheme at a special meeting last night that was also attended by several residents.

The application is now likely to go before Shropshire Council's north planning committee at a date to be fixed.

The birds would be bred and reared for sport, and would be kept in six large pens, with about 1,000 birds per pen.

They would be at the farm for 15 to 16 weeks between late February and mid-June.

Speaking at last night's meeting, Councillor Peter Waters, said: "My personal opinion is that we should refuse this application on the grounds that it is over-developed, it is too close to residents, and there is no mention that there is a footpath running through the field."

Councillor David Moore added: "What about the size of vehicles? Articulated lorries are not going to get through the site entrance."

Commenting on Shropshire Council's website, Robert Barton, said: "I believe that this application, if successful, would lead to an increase in flies in the general area."

Kenneth Tew added: "Vermin will inevitably increase with this activity."

Landowner Robert Manning has applied to Shropshire Council for a change of use of the land, via agents Peter Richards & Co.

Speaking at the meeting, Mr Richards said he would take the concerns of local residents and councillors on board and consult with his client.

"I have come along to make sure the application is understood," he said.