Revised plans for 200,000-bird chicken farm near Shrewsbury

Members of Shropshire Council's central planning committee were due to make a decision on proposals for four chicken sheds at Sunderton Farm in Uffington, near Shrewsbury at a meeting this week.

Planning officer Frank Whitley had recommended the plans be refused based on objections from public protection officers.

They had raised concerns about the "unacceptable loss of amenity" to neighbours because of an increase in traffic movements.

But in the recent days, Mr Whitley said developers have submitted revised plans which could ease the issues.

Speaking at the meeting held in Shirehall, he said: "No adverse comments have been received apart from public protection. It is only the issue of residential amenities that it is let down on.

"Two days ago, I received some new plans for a new proposal for new access.

"In conversations with public protection they have given some reassurance that it is worth exploring.

"There is room for further exploration of these plans."

The farm, at the end of a two-kilometre private drive off the B5062, wants to build four poultry houses, feed bins, solar panels, and changes to the vehicle access.

Speaking at the meeting, Shropshire Councillor Claire Wild, said she knew the applicants were keen to have a decision as soon as possible.

She said: "The applicants have a signed contract and are under the pressures to get everything done.

"If you could, I would ask that the application could come back to the committee on July 28. I would very much appreciate that."

The plans, which are available to view on Shropshire Council's website, are not under any other objections and Mr Whitley said it was possible the issues could be resolved.

Committee members agreed to defer the issue to a future date and will look at the revised plans at another meeting,