Fresh funding call over chicken farm near Bridgnorth
A fresh funding call has been made by an action group hoping to take its fight against a planned chicken farm to the High Court.
The Tasley Chicken Factory Farm Action Group has been granted permission to have its judicial review heard at High Court to challenge plans for a chicken farm near Bridgnorth.
Protestors approached the Royal Courts of Justice in London last month and Judge Mark Ockelton decided the case can now proceed to the next stage.
The group has raised about £3,775 through an online funding appeal to help with the costs but says more is needed to continue the fight.
Campaigners are hoping to raise in the region of £20,000.
The group raised a judicial review against Shropshire Council after planning approval was granted for a 210,000-bird unit in Tasley.
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 new post from the group on its crowdfunding page says: "Shropshire now has the second highest number of poultry factory farms in the country, nearly 70, all of which are proving to be a widespread health hazard, and there’s at least another six in the planning pipeline.
"Ideally, we’d like all parties, which includes all councils, the farmer, residents, and businesses, to come together to find a mutably beneficial and sustainable way forward.
"But unless Shropshire Council sees sense, we are left with no choice but to find every penny we can to finish this fight.
"Every donation, whatever size, will help us to carry on trying to stop this madness."
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.
To support the campaign group’s appeal go to https://www.crowdjustice.com/case/stoptasleychickenfactoryfarm/
