MoD objects to plans for poultry farm near Shrewsbury

Plans have been submitted to Shropshire Council by CEB Draper and Sons and will be decided upon next week at a meeting of the central planning committee.

The proposed farm would be in Ensdon, near Montford Bridge, and would see the building of four poultry rearing sheds, each capable of housing 50,000 birds.

There would also be a biomass boiler building, an office, eight feeder bins and other ancillary buildings. Access would be via a new track which would connect to an unclassified country lane. This would link directly to the A5. Montford Parish Council did not object to the scheme.

However, the Ministry of Defence did on the grounds that the noise from the nearby Nesscliffe Training Area (NTA) and the Montford Bridge Airfield (MBA) could adversely affect the birds.

In its letter the MoD said: "All animals, including farmed poultry, must be looked after in ways that meet their welfare needs. With regard to poultry management it is advisable that the level of sound experienced by poultry is minimised and that poultry should be protected from constant or sudden noise.

"The impact of the training activities undertaken at NTA and MBA do not appear to have been taken into consideration by the applicant; this is inappropriate.

"By virtue of the nature of helicopter training activity undertaken at NTA and MBA, the proposed development could face severe down draught problems.

"Should the Local Planning Authority decide to grant planning permission for this agricultural development on the application site, within close proximity to NTA and MBA, the MoD will bear no responsibility for any complaints or claims from the applicant or developer in respect of matters of noise and will refer the complainants to Shropshire Council."

The plans will be considered on Wednesday at Shrewsbury's Shirehall.