Decision on extension to chicken farm to be made
A decision on controversial plans for an extra 76,000 birds at a chicken farm is set to be made next week.
Forge Farm, at Upton Magna, Shrewsbury, has applied for the extension which would bring the number of birds up to almost 200,000 - but Upton Magna Parish Council has objected to the plans.
The parish council said councillors and parishioners are "extremely concerned" about the increase in HGV traffic on the narrow unclassified road that runs from Berwick Wharf to the access road to Forge Farm.
The response adds: "There will be an increase in smell and flies and a deterioration of air quality for residents of neighbouring properties and for the users of one footpath and two bridleways than run close to the site.
Neighbouring Withington Parish Council has also objected to the plans.
The objection was made because of the increase in HGV traffic, the issue of smell, and the fact that the application would not result in a significant increase in employment.
One letter of objection was received by a member of the public with concerns over intensive development.
The standard broilers would be grown up to 39 days with at least a 10 day turn around period. And the break between crops could be longer at certain times of the years such as Christmas or if clean-out is delayed, leading to around seven crops per year.
The broilers will be brought in as day old chicks at a mix of males and females.
One thinning will take place at 31 to 32 days with 40 per cent of the birds being removed at around 1.75kg in weight.
The rest of the birds will be removed on 39 days at around 2.4kg in weight.
The proposed buildings will each measure 340ft by 60ft bird area, floor space plus the fan canopy.
The buildings will be directly to the east of existing buildings at Forge Farm.
There will be two feed bins situated between the buildings which will have a capacity of about 18 tonnes and measure 6.6 metres in height and 2.8 metres in diameter.
The buildings will be heated by existing biomass buildings located in each end of the existing three poultry buildings.
A decision on the additional 76,000 birds will be made on Thursday at Shropshire Council's central planning committee.
