Shropshire chicken tunnels recommended for approval

The polytunnels at a farm in Sandford, near Whitchurch, were given permission to be built on the site back in 2013, but only for a term of three years so Shropshire Council could assess their impact and traffic generation.

However, applicant Mr R Haynes now wants to keep them there permanently and the plans look set for approval at a meeting of the council's north planning committee next week.

The scheme, which was turned down in June last year, has come under fire from residents living near the site, as well as Prees Parish Council.

In its objection against the tunnels for free-range hens, the council said that it wished to object "in the strongest terms".

It said: "None of the accommodations reached address the fundamental reason for objection which is the distress and misery caused to the neighbouring residents.

"This is a residential area and it is not the right site for such a business. Prees Parish Council has been arguing this since February 2016.

"The associated vermin – rats, flies and smell – all impact most horribly on the neighbouring residents, curtailing their amenity and enjoyment of their own properties."

A further eight objections were put forward by nearby homeowners, with concerns over the access to the A41, known as a dangerous road in the area.

Other fears over drainage, smell, dust and hygiene have been raised as well as questions about flies, rats and pest control.

However the plans, which will go to Shropshire Council's north planning committee on Tuesday next week, have been recommended for approval.

Case officer Jane Preece said the plans should be allowed, as long as certain conditions are met.

She said: "Whilst the objections and concerns of local residents and the Parish Council are acknowledged, the proposed development is for agricultural purposes and is considered to be of an appropriate siting, scale, and design that will not have a detrimental impact upon the visual character and appearance of the local rural landscape."

She added that having taken on comments from consultees, it is not believed that the proposed development will "unacceptably and adversely impact" on residential or neighbouring properties.

The plans will be discussed at the meeting to be held on Tuesday at Shrewsbury's Shirehall from 2pm.