Major Telford chicken shed proposal is approved

A revised proposal for the development at Ellerdine Heath, near Telford, went before a meeting of Telford & Wrekin Council's planning committee on Wednesday.

Heal Farms Ltd, which is behind the plans, has said a new access road would be built to allay fears of residents over lorries thundering along country lanes.

The applicants believe it would provide a "safe and satisfactory" solution to the problem by taking delivery lorries away from roads.

Members went on to vote six in favour and two against the application and Councillor Chris Turley agreed with developers that it was sustainable.

But the new proposals have angered staff at nearby Hilbrae Pets Hotel, which re-homes dogs from across Shropshire.

Its owner Marty Burrell branded the plans an "atrocious idea".

She said it would have a detrimental effect on the charity and would disturb the dogs there.

Thousands of supporters of the Pets Hotel signed a petition against the original application last year.

More than 200 letters of objection were received to the new plans, and objections were also lodged by Wrekin MP Mark Pritchard, ward councillor Stephen Bentley, and both Waters Upton and Ercall Magna parish councils.

Councillor Chris Purves, of Ercall Magna Parish Council, said: "This shed is vast, if it were in a built up area it would provoke quite a bit of comment. It is 225 metres long.

"This area is the northern gateway to Telford. It's a rural area. The parish council is very concerned as it is a major threat to the rural area."

Councillor Stephen Bentley said: "This application will endanger the natural habitat."

David Collier, on behalf of local residents, raised objections over the noise, pollution and highway congestion.

He told planners: "The adverse affects have simply been moved from one part of the hamlet to another."

Councillor Nicola Lowery added: "I think there are more appropriate sites. I do appreciate expansion of the business."