Debate rages on free range farm plans near Market Drayton

The planning proposal has been lodged on behalf of Rupert Chitty, who wants to house the hens on the 15 acre site.

The Betton and Norton in Hales Action Group was formed to oppose the plans, and the group met earlier this week to share their concerns.

Shropshire Council's planning website has seen people leave comments on the proposal, the majority of them opposing it.

Malcolm MacDonald commented: "The proposal to build a development, not related to an existing farm, would be a visual intrusion in the landscape of open countryside.

"The site is adjacent to public lanes and footpaths.

"There is every likelihood of waterway pollution. The lie of the land slopes towards the River Tern and a tributary.

"Natural water drainage from 32,000 hens in the field is bound to find its way into local watercourses."

Ian Pick is the agent processing the application on behalf of Mr Chitty.

He said: “The potential for pollution of the nearby River Tern is not realistic.

"The proposed building operates a sealed dirty water containment system which has to comply with the SSAFO Regulations and the specification for dirty water containment has to be agreed with the Environment Agency prior to the use of the site.

"The agricultural land surrounding the proposed hen shed will be used for the ranging of hens during daylight hours.

"The hens will deposit some manure on the ranging area, however, this is no different to the current use of the site by grazing cattle where manure is also dropped on the field, or indeed the spreading of fertilisers or manures.

"Any risk of run off from the ranging area is no different to the risks during the normal course of farming the land’.

Jamie Frost left a comment on the application saying: "I fully support this application, the demand is high and we all eat the eggs.

"It won't harm anybody, if you live near the shed you have got to expect this sort of environment being in the countryside."

If successful the application will see Rupert Chitty and another employee work full time at the site.

To see the application in full visit Shropshire Council's online planning portal, with reference 18/04555/FUL.

Last week we incorrectly said that Rupert Chitty worked for his father's free range poultry company.

His father does not operate a poultry company. We apologise for any confusion caused.