32,000 hen egg production unit plans for Bishop's Castle

The proposal has been put forward by JW Evans and Son, which is looking to diversify its agricultural business at Walcot Farm in Lydbury North, near Bishop's Castle.

But the plans, which will be discussed by members of Shropshire Council's south planning committee next week, have been objected to by local residents, Lydbury North Parish Council, Clunbury Parish Council, Shropshire Parks and Gardens, Natural England and the National Trust.

The project would involve building two poultry buildings with a linked egg packing and storage area, providing housing for 32,000 hens and 3,000 cockerels.

The proposed buildings would be purpose-built poultry barns, constructed of a steel portal frame with polyester coated box profile sheeting for the walls and roof.

Each building would measure 346 feet by 63 feet, with a maximum height of 18 feet.

The existing farm road would be used for highway access, and the highway would need upgrading.

The unit would operate on a 48-week production cycle, including a four week cleaning and preparation cycle at the end of each cycle.

Fifteen residents have lodged objections to the proposal, citing concerns over the likelihood of a strong smell of ammonia from the site and the possibility of the River Kemp being polluted.

The residents are also worried about drainage and flooding issues, an increase in traffic, the impact of an industrial site on a rural landscape and animal welfare.

This proposal will be put before Shropshire Council's south planning committee on Tuesday.

The meeting will be held at the Shrewsbury/Oswestry Room at Shirehall, Shrewsbury and will begin at 2pm.