Support for Shropshire sheds for 225,000 birds
A chicken farm in south Shropshire should be approved, according to council officers.
Poultry sheds for up to 225,000 birds could be built at Walkhamwood Farm in Faintree, near Bridgnorth, if plans are given the go-ahead.
The farm is currently used for crops and pasture, and is to the south west of Bridgnorth, off the B4364 road to Ludlow.
The proposal, submitted to Shropshire Council, is to build four poultry units, feed bins, biomass boiler building, a new access track and landscape works. But it has caused controversy, with 98 objections sent to Shropshire Council, and 39 comments in support.
Protest claims ranged from the added traffic, dangers of the road, the smell, the building ruining the country landscape, negative environmental impact, and closeness to homes. The supporting comments detailed the need to support British farmers and the local economy, meat coming from British farms rather than abroad, and additional jobs in creating and maintaining the farm.
Neenton Parish Council objected to the revised plans in October but Chetton Parish Council had no objections.
In a planning statement, consultant Ben Corbett said the was farm run by the Mottershead family who wanted to diversify – and with the burgeoning state of the poultry industry, plus the family's previous experience in it, the move made sense. He said the enterprise would create one full-time role with part time support, and add value to the local economy.
Shropshire Council officer Kelvin Hall said the application should be approved on certain conditions.
These include the colour of the buildings should be approved, trees are protected, trees are planted and artificial nests and boxes for birds and bats are built.
Shropshire Council's planning committee will discuss the application at the next meeting on January 10.
