45,000-bird poultry shed planned for farm near Telford
A poultry shed housing up to 45,000 birds could be built at a farm near Telford, under new plans.
The building would be located at Sugden Farm, in Sugden Lane, Sugden, which currently grows crops and has a beef enterprise.
Plans have now been submitted to Telford & Wrekin Council to allow the site to be used for poultry production.
A report, lodged with the planning application, states: "The beef enterprise was a natural step following the closure of the dairy enterprise in 2011.
"The applicants are progressive and continue to look for ways to provide an additional revenue and longevity to the business and it is considered that poultry production would complement the existing enterprises.
"The applicants have undertaken extensive research in to the suitability of the site for poultry production."
The building would measure 105 metres by 24 metres by two metres.
The plans state that the poultry enterprise proposed has a 60-day cycle, which includes a number of days to clear and clean the sheds ready for the next cycle.
The report said: "This will mean that there are six crops of birds per year.
"Each batch will contain a maximum of 45,000 birds, this is the optimum number of birds for the building proposed to ensure that they are kept in a healthy environment."
The plans say that the poultry site will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
It would be managed alongside the beef and arable enterprise.
The report states that a new member of full time staff will be required to monitor the chickens and carry out other tasks such as ordering feed deliveries.
According to the plans, the nearest property to the building would be Powis Villa, which is more than 300 metres away.
The report claims that odour levels would be acceptable and the doors to the unit have been located to the south west gable to ensure that any noise is directed to the farmstead and not the wider area.
It states that the applicant would also look to employ a pest control company to carry out a regular inspection of the property.
The report says: "After significant research, the applicant believes that the proposed site at Sugden Farm provides a suitable site for a broiler poultry unit which will help ensure the long-term success of the business and support self-sufficiently with UK food production."
A decision on the proposal is expected to be made by Telford & Wrekin Council in the upcoming months.
