Poultry business to expand near Newport

The farm in Chetwynd Aston, near Newport, was given the go ahead to build two new poultry sheds by Telford & Wrekin Council planning officers, adding a further 50,000 birds to the site.

In a report, written by case officer Andrew Gittins, it said: "The proposal to provide an additional poultry shed at the existing broiler unit would represent an appropriate expansion of this existing agricultural business.

"The development would be acceptable in terms of design and appearance, and the proposed landscaping would minimise the impact of the proposal on the landscape character of the area.

"Satisfactory measures have been incorporated within the design of the development to ensure that potential adverse impacts from noise, odour and other emissions can be controlled to acceptable levels."

However the plans have come under fire from a number of residents as well as Church Aston Parish Council, and Chetwynd Aston & Woodcote Parish Council.

The councils both raised concerns over the current development generating "unacceptable smells", "uncontrolled storage of waste" and the visual impact two new units may have on the surrounding area.

The plans, made by H Timmis Farms Ltd for Little Hales Manor Farm, also recieved five objections from neighbours.

Some raised concerns about an increase in traffic along Little Hales Farm and Pitchcroft Lane as well as the A518 Wellington Rd, while others said they feared a risk of bird flu.

Others said they were against the suggestion as the "proposed use is unethical", but officers said this was not a material planning matter.

Mr Gittins added that a number of measures could be put in place to allay any fears, including those of an increase in odour.

He said: "These include use of a new hi-tech ventilation system using climate control units to either warm or cool incoming air with exhaust air passed through scrubber units to reduce ammonia and odour emissions, the covering of trailers once manure loading has taken place, with manure hauled away to a digester on a local farm, and the use of underground tanks for the management of dirty water."

The plans were granted permission by Mr Gittins using delegated powers.

He added: "Overall it is considered that the benefits of the proposal outweigh the impacts of the provision of the additional sheds on the local environment."