350,000 bird poultry farm near Shrewsbury would be larger than nearby village
A poultry farm in Shropshire could be extended to hold 350,000 chickens, becoming larger than a nearby village, if plans are agreed by councillors.
Objectors to the extension to Rodefern Farm in Great Ness claim that it will double the size of the chicken farm leading to heavy traffic and the risk of pollution and damage to the surrounding countryside.
The owners of the farm have submitted a planning application for three new broiler buildings to be added to the four already in place, and that will be considered by Shropshire Council on Thursday.
Great Ness and Baschurch Parish councils have objected to the plans on the grounds of increased traffic and visual and environmental impact, while there have been 13 letters of objection and just two of support for the plans.
In a report to Shropshire Council, planning officer Kelvin Hall noted that several local residents had also been concerned about the smell coming from the farm.
The report said: "The Environment Agency has confirmed that they have received more than one substantiated odour complaint regarding the existing poultry development within the last three years. However, the EA has confirmed that it is not appropriate to sustain an objection to the current application as they have recently issued a variation to the environmental permit for the site which allows and increase in bird numbers to 250,000, which is comparable to the number of birds which would be housed within the seven sheds."
There have been no objections to the plans from Shropshire Council's highways department or the Environment Agency.
Mr Hall has recommended that councillors approve the plans as there are "an appropriate expansion" of an existing business and would bring economic benefits to the area.
He also noted that while the expansion would create some extra traffic and smells, it would be infrequent.