Plans for 16,000-bird chicken unit upset villagers near Shrewsbury
Plans have been lodged to build an egg production unit on the outskirts of a village near Shrewsbury.
A number of residents have objected to the scheme, which is for a 16,000-bird shed at Cruckmeole Farm, Cruckmeole.
The farm is primarily a beef and arable farm, and the owners are looking to diversify amid concerns regarding the volatility of the beef market as well as the uncertainty of Brexit and are hoping to secure planning permission from Shropshire Council.
But villagers are concerned that increased traffic bringing birds and eggs to and from the farm will block the narrow country lanes and run off from the chicken manure could pollute the nearby Rea Brook.
The site for the proposed free range egg unit is currently intensive pasture land.
A design statement submitted to the council on behalf of the applicant said: "The business model would enable the applicant to secure a regular income for the farm which is increasingly important in the ever-changing agricultural economic climate. The proposal is for a new free range poultry building to provide a 16,000 free range bird egg laying production unit.
"The birds will have direct access from the north elevation of the building to dedicated pasture. The birds are brought in as young laying stock and remain in the egg production unit for some 14 months. The birds have a laying cycle of 56-58 weeks."
Along with the shed will be two steel hoppers containing feed for the birds and a new access road will be built.
The plans will now be discussed by the planning department at a date to be arranged.
