Shropshire Star

Judge gives go-ahead for protestors to continue fight against chicken farm near Bridgnorth

Campaigners have been granted permission to have their judicial review heard at High Court to challenge plans for a chicken farm near Bridgnorth.

Published

Protestors approached the Royal Courts of Justice in London yesterday and Judge Mark Ockelton decided the case can now proceed to the next stage.

The Tasley Chicken Factory Farm Action Group had raised several thousand pounds to kick-start proceedings for a judicial review.

The race is now on to raise in the region of £20,000 to continue the fight.

The group raised a judicial review against Shropshire Council after planning approval was granted for a 210,000-bird unit in Tasley, near Bridgnorth.

Campaigners say the review cites “inadequacies” in the manure management report and the council’s “failure to take account of the impact of spreading manure from the chicken farm on the residents of Bridgnorth”.

A spokeswoman from the action group said: "The case went better than we could have hoped for.

"We've won the first battle but not the war.

"The fight goes on and we must now raise the money needed in a short space of time.

"However, we would like to open a dialogue with Shropshire Council to see if there is any possibility that this can be resolved before it goes to a full hearing."

The group launched an online fundraising campaign to cover the legal costs which has so far raised more than £3,500.

The planning application initially received more than 300 objections in total before it was approved by Shropshire Council’s planning committee in August.

Before the meeting, dozens of protestors chanted and waved placards along the A442 against the controversial planned poultry farm.

The protest happened as councillors were taking part in a site visit.

The plans for Footbridge Farm involve four poultry buildings, gatehouse and water tank.

Protesters have expressed concerns over smell, dust and potential health implications it could cause.

Previously, applicants’ agent Ian Pick said that the plans met relevant criteria.

He added: “The application was submitted for the project. It’s been assessed by all the technical consultees and they’ve all confirmed that the development is compliant with regulations.

“It has then been to the committee and been approved. I accept that the objected are aggrieved but planning decisions can’t be made on what you perceive to be a problem, they are evidence based.”

To support the campaign group’s appeal go to https://www.crowdjustice.com/case/stoptasleychickenfactoryfarm/