Shropshire village name change sign of poultry unit protests

More than 50 people have signed a petition against a proposal to create two poultry units housing a total of 32,000 birds at Ollerton, near Market Drayton.

And now a mystery person has changed the name of the village sign from Ollerton to "Eggerton".

Resident Lisa Dams was one of the first to spot it.

She said: "Many residents and I are currently objecting and looking at ways to fight a planning application that has been put in for egg production units on the outskirts of Ollerton.

"Our parish council are not fighting much and Shropshire Council doesn't seem interested at all in our concerns but someone has put their opinion up on our signs. I am not 100 per cent sure if it's good old British sarcasm or the applicant poking residents. We are very concerned about this application."

Resident Duncan Farrow recently launched an online petition, which now has 52 signatures, after raising concerns about the impact the development would have on the environment. Stoke-upon-Tern Parish Council has also objected to the proposal.

But David Probert, National Farmers Union group secretary for the Market Drayton and Whitchurch branch, has welcomed the plans.

He said: "The National Farmers Union Market Drayton and Whitchurch branch are pleased to support Andrew Hollins' planning application for a 32,000 bird free range egg production unit on his land at Ollerton, Market Drayton.

"Shropshire is a county with a very strong agricultural heritage, it is important that farmers are given the opportunity to diversify and adapt to producing foods that meet the ever-changing consumer requirements. The egg sector is progressive, meeting an ever increasing demand for free range eggs and this is particularly the case within Shropshire.

"Planning applications such as this one, which bring employment to rural communities, secure the jobs of people within the supply businesses and contribute to the local economy, deserve our support. For this reason we respectfully request Shropshire Council support this application.

"While we do not comment on the site specific aspects of this proposal, we are supportive of farmers who invest in new infrastructure which will enable them to produce free range eggs in a sustainable way. The elected chairman of the local branch has considered the application and confirmed their support for the project."

Neighbour Barry Peers, who supports the application, said: "I don't understand what the fuss is about. There will be no smell and Mouchel which represents the council has raised no concerns about the infrastructure. We should back British farmers."

The proposed buildings would be 76 metres by 19.5 metres and would be connected by a link building. They would include an egg store and packing area. Once operational, the development would require two full-time workers on site. The scheme also includes creating a pond and tree planting area in a bid to create new habitats and wildlife corridors for nesting birds, bats and amphibians.

Shropshire Council hopes to make a decision on the scheme by May 19. People can comment on the proposal as part of the consultation into the development via the council's website.