Criticism of poultry sheds plan

A public meeting is to be held tonight to hear concerns about plans to build four chicken sheds which could house 180,000 birds in Shropshire.

Agricultural business J Warner & Sons, of Kinton, has applied for planning permission to build the four poultry sheds at Rodefern Lane, Great Ness, near Nesscliffe.

And it says road improvements will also be carried out.

But residents fear the proposal will lead to traffic chaos and noise, smell and health problems and a public meeting has been called, which will be held at Nesscliffe Village Hall at 7.30pm.

Among the objectors is leading Shropshire horse trainer Mark Brisbourne who runs Ness Strange Stables near Great Ness.

Mr Brisbourne said he did not object to the poultry plans but was concerned about the potential increase in traffic.

He said: "Race horses by nature are excitable and unpredictable. Large vehicles on narrow roads leave little room for the horses to manoeuvre out of the way. The health and safety of my staff and horses is paramount, increased heavy vehicles means increased risk."

Objector Rita Freeman from Great Ness said she was concerned about an increase in traffic leading to noise, dirt and smell, and decreased air quality.

Other objectors raised worries that there was another separate application lodged nearby at Little Ness.

However, the Environment Agency has told the council it has no objections to the plans.