Odour worries over Newport turkey farm bid
Plans for a new turkey farm on the outskirts of Newport have come under criticism from neighbours who are concerned about the smell.
Plans have been submitted for four poultry buildings, associated buildings and a biomass boiler to be built on Deepdale Farm, on Chester Road in Chetwynd. It could house up to 35,000 animals.
But the scheme is facing opposition from people nearby. Val Harvey, who lives adjacent to the farm, said: "Having done some research regarding similar farms operated by Bernard Matthews in Norfolk, I believe this development will have a huge impact on the local community in terms of smell, noise, vermin, rats and flies, traffic congestion on the A41, and also asthma rates.
"My main concern is about the vagueness of the waste disposal arrangements as I think that's going to have the most impact on the smell and vermin generated by the development. The planning application says all manure will be taken from Deepdale Farm to either third party land or be used on their own land for spreading. In my objection to the development I have asked for a more detailed explanation of the waste disposal arrangements.
"I try to support local businesses as much as I can, using Newport companies for our electricity work, uniforms, printing, site maintenance and supplies, but I believe that any new initiatives should take account of their community and existing businesses."
Planning documents say the farm is currently used primarily for arable farming.
Six letters of objection have been made to the plans on Telford & Wrekin Council's online planning facility. Tracey Clark, of Swanmere, Newport, said: "I object to the application to the proposed turkey farm because of the increased volume of traffic, large trucks that will enter and leave the A41 adding to its congestion.
"The environmental impact a 35,000 turkey farm will have such as revolting smell and increased flies will impact on the area."
In the odour assessment by Vicky Price at Berry's, conducted for the applicant, it says: "Odour concentrations are below the Environment Agency's benchmark for moderately offensive odours."
