Egg unit plans for farm near Shrewsbury refused

The plans, submitted by owners at Cruckmeole Farm near Pontesbury, had 51 public objections and have now been refused by Shropshire Council due to the “detrimental impact” on nearby houses, a report says.

The current plans were re-submitted after an initial refusal in 2018 due to insufficient information.

Other reasons for the refusal, confirmed earlier this month, included noise and odour issues, specifically those surrounding ammonia and the impact on habitats.

A refusal report said: “The proposed development will have a detrimental impact on the amenity of the residential dwellings which are located within close proximity to the site.

“Insufficient and inconsistent information accompanies the application in relation to ecological issues, landscape and visual impact, and residential amenity issues.

“Insufficient information has been submitted to enable the local planning authority to carry out an assessment under the Habitats Regulations as required under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 in respect of potential impacts on designated ecological sites.”

An objection comment from Pontesbury Parish Council, said: “Following discussion at the planning committee meeting on August 5, Pontesbury Parish Council uphold their objection.”

Great Hanwood Parish Council also objected to the plans, saying: “The parish council has reviewed the further documents submitted and wishes to object to the application due to the size and volume of vehicles, routing of vehicles past Hanwood school and on narrow lanes of Cruckton, and odour in the vicinity of the school in poor weather conditions.”

The original submission outlined plans to diversify the farm to compliment the existing beef production.

A design and access statement said: “Following the business’ move from dairy production due to falling milk prices in 2012, they have been searching for an enterprise that will compliment the existing beef and arable business.”