Residents voice concerns over air monitoring around chicken farm near Bridgnorth
Protesters asked questioned why a chicken farm for 210,000 birds was approved without installing equipment to check the quality of air.
A resident living near Footbridge Farm in Tasley spoke at Shropshire Council's south planning committee meeting on Tuesday, and compared the approved application for four poultry units to that of the incinerator in Shrewsbury which was also approved but with air quality monitoring equipment installed.
The plans were approved at a meeting of Shropshire Council's south planning committee last month but, during public question time at this week's meeting at Shirehall, David Baker voiced his concerns over the proposals.
Mr Baker said: "I'm one of the nearest neighbours, about 300 metres downwind.
"The incinerator application in Battlefield had many objections including concerns over how it would affect health but it was approved.
"Actual dust emissions when the sheds are being emptied are entirely dependent on methods being use and the care exercised.
"You considered the risks at Battlefield as you installed an air quality monitor there.
"Does this committee care more about the health of Shrewsbury residents than those of Bridgnorth and Tasley?"
The application received more than 300 objections in total before it was approved. Residents told how they were concerned about noise, dust, smells, and health issues if the plans were to go ahead.
At the time agent Ian Pick responded to concerns by explaining that the plans meet relevant criteria.
He said: "We only need to assess dust if there's a dwelling within 100 metres of the site. Outside of that criteria it's not an issue in the UK."
Councillors then voted to approve the application with a change of shade of the colour of the units in August.
Richard Fortune, case officer, said: "The matter was given full consideration. The dust impact would be negligible.
"Air quality is only regulated when national levels are exceeded."
Graham French, case officer, said: "The two schemes are very different, and we need to take site-specific factors into account.
"On an application such as the poultry farm, many other factors come into play."
