Shropshire poultry farm hatches plan to double in size

The number of birds at Burlton Lane Farm in Myddle, near Wem, would rise from 32,000 to 64,000 if the expansion gets the go-ahead.

Farmer Thomas Powell has put forward the plans to Shropshire Council to help meet the demand for free range eggs.

He says market share for free range eggs, including organic, has increased to approximately 45 per cent of all eggs sold.

The expansion could potentially lead to the creation of new jobs.

There are currently two existing buildings on the site which each accommodate 16,000 free range birds.

As part of the proposals both the existing buildings would be extended by two bays to increase the number of birds each can accommodate.

The applicant says the scheme will not have any negative impacts on the surrounding environment.

A statement submitted in support of the application says: "The proposed development relates to the extension of existing free range poultry buildings to help expand the existing poultry enterprise.

"This will help to meet the high demand for free range eggs. It will benefit the existing poultry business and also create local employment opportunities.

"The building has been designed to provide the necessary hen accommodation while taking into account the potential impacts.

"There are two existing buildings on the site which each accommodate 16,000 free range birds on a single tier system, leading to 32,000 birds in total. It is proposed to extend and refit the existing buildings to increase layer hen numbers.

"The current egg packing units will be relocated from within the poultry buildings to a purpose-built egg packing building situated between the two poultry units which will be linked by covered conveyor belts.

"This will allow all of the space within the poultry buildings to be utilised for hen accommodation and enable the buildings to be fitted out with a multi-tier system.

"The total number of birds will increase from 32,000 to 64,000."

The statement adds: "The proposed development represents a small increase in the built form of an existing poultry site.

"It will not result in a new feature in the area, and many views will be unaffected by the development."

Shropshire Council, which has not yet received any comments from the public about the application, hopes to make a decision on it by New Year's Eve.