Group taking legal action to try to halt 210,000-bird Bridgnorth chicken farm
A campaign group is taking legal action against controversial plans for a 210,000-bird chicken farm in Bridgnorth.
The Tasley Chicken Factory Farm Action Group has raised a judicial review against Shropshire Council over planning approval for the unit at Foodbridge Farm in 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".
Now the group has launched an online appeal to help fund the process – with £1,500 needed by today for the first stage.
Campaigner David Baker said: "We hope to raise £1,500 by October 10 to pay for the first stage of the judicial review process.
"This will enable us to prepare a pre-action protocol letter and apply for permission from the court. Full judicial review costs will be between £30,000 and £40,000.
"If this is built it will house 210,000 chickens, all living in overcrowded and filthy conditions with no natural light.
"The air they breathe will be highly polluted with ammonia. This can damage their eyes and respiratory systems and burn their legs, chests and feet."
The planning application initially received more than 300 objections in total before it was approved by Shropshire Council's planning committee.
The plans involve four poultry buildings, a gatehouse and a water tank. Protesters have expressed concerns over smell, dust and potential health implications it could cause.
Councillors voted – seven to three – to approve the application with a change of shade of the colour of the units back in August.
Previously, agent Ian Pick, who represents the applicants, said that the plans meet relevant criteria, adding: "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."
The CrowdJustice page, which has so far raised £1,275 towards the legal process, reads: "If you live locally, this will affect you, your use of your garden and could affect the health of your family.
"Chicken dust is toxic and associated with a range of respiratory conditions, including asthma and lung cancer.
"The chickens will generate over 2,300 tonnes of manure every year, and this will be disposed of by spreading it on fields next to Bridgnorth neighbourhoods.
"But even though the Environment Agency says that the unpleasant odours from this type of chicken manure spreading can travel for kilometres, Shropshire Council simply refused to consider these impacts on the residents of Bridgnorth."
Shropshire Council were unavailable for comment.