Go-ahead for 200,000-bird chicken farm near Bridgnorth
A chicken farm capable of housing more than 200,000 birds near Bridgnorth has been granted planning permission.
The farm is currently used for crops and pasture, and is to the south west of Bridgnorth, off the B4364 road to Ludlow.
The four poultry sheds, which received the backing of Shropshire Council's south planning committee on Tuesday, will house a maximum of 225,000 birds on Walkhamwood Farm in Faintree.
Neenton Parish Council objected to the scheme and 100 public objections were received, along with 39 letters of support.
Concerns had included traffic, the impact it would have on the landscape and smells.
Case officer Kelvin Hall, from Shropshire Council, said the site was outside the area of outstanding natural beauty.
Local resident Roger Thornett, who is also chairman of the Neenton, Faintree and Chetton Action Group, spoke against the plans at the meeting.
He said it was highly unlikely he would want to live nearby if the proposals were passed, adding: "The traffic, smell, noise and pollution will be intolerable."
John Pickup, of Neenton, also objected, telling councillors there were many concerns in the community.
He said there were major concerns about HGVs using the B4364.
Graham Clark, speaking on behalf of the applicant, said the successful bidder was a local farmer who had lived at the farm for more than 20 years.
He told the planning committee there was a need for more poultry sites and specialist reports into the plans had deemed them acceptable.
Debating the plans, Councillor Andy Boddington said the chicken farm would be well screened.
Councillor David Turner, vice-chairman of the planning committee, said great efforts had been made to reduce the visual impact.
Councillor Nigel Hartin said it was not in an area of outstanding natural beauty, but added: "It did appear to be extremely close for such a large development to the closest neighbour."
Councillor Robert Tindall, speaking at the meeting, said he believed the applicant had tried very hard to accommodate a large scale set-up but had concerns over its distance to neighbours.
He said: "I am very concerned about odour and noise.
"If the committee is going to approve the application, these two things should be extremely closely monitored."
The majority of councillors voted to delegate authority to a planning manager to grant permission subject to conditions being met.
Councillor Hartin voted to turn down the plans, while Councillor John Hurst-Knight chose to abstain from the vote.
