Go-ahead likely for 90,000-chicken unit in Shropshire
Plans to expand a Shropshire chicken farm by adding room for 90,000 more birds are being recommended for approval.
PF and MJ Williams and son of Bank House Poultry, Yockleton, near Shrewsbury, has applied to Shropshire Council for permission to install two broiler units – each of which would house 45,000 birds.
The plans also include five feed bins, which would be installed close to steel-framed and steel-sheeted sheds and a concrete loading area to allow for the delivery of day-old chicks and the removal of the birds up to four weeks later.
In a report which will go before Shropshire Council's central planning committee for consideration on Thursday, officers state that the local parish council and residents support the application, as it would bring jobs and opportunities to the area.
The Environment Agency, English Heritage and Natural England had also raised no objections. However, objections from a small number of residents have been received claiming there would be manure and flies and an increase in the number of heavy trucks through the village.
In the report to councillors, planning officer Kelvin Hall said: "The proposal to provide an additional two sheds at the existing broiler unit would represent an appropriate expansion of this existing business. The application would create an additional part-time employment position as well as further working hours for casual workers."
The application follows plans which could see another chicken farm expand to accommodate more than 100,000 extra birds.
The proposed development near Craven Arms, by J L Jones and Co, would see the total number of chickens on the farm rise to almost 400,000.
Members of Shropshire Council's south planning committee are being recommended to approve the application when they meet tomorrow.
