Decision on 160,000-bird chicken farm put on hold

A decision on plans for a chicken farm housing up to 160,000 birds has been put on hold after fresh concerns were raised about the scheme's environmental assessment.

The proposal for land south-west of Manor Farm in Sheriffhales, near Shifnal, Shropshire, would see four poultry houses built, each accommodating up to 40,000 birds.

Planning officers for Shropshire Council have recommended approval, saying environmental assessments found odour impacts would be minimal and operational noise levels low.

However, the application has attracted 1,494 objections, with concerns raised about issues including traffic, water quality and animal welfare.

Supporters of the scheme say it would boost domestic food production, support the agricultural economy and create jobs, while using modern systems designed to minimise odour.

The proposed development would also include feed bins, a feed-blending room, a dead bird store, underground dirty-water tanks, a biomass boiler house and a pond designed to temporarily store rainwater and reduce flood risk.

Sheriffhales Parish Council was among those to have raised concerns, citing previous issues linked to a former pig-rearing operation on the site.

Planning officers had recommended the application for approval, subject to conditions including the need for an environmental permit before the site could become operational.

But members of the council's southern planning committee were told on Tuesday that five extra detailed representations have been received since the publication of the committee report.

The submissions raised a number of technical matters relating to the environmental assessment accompanying the scheme.

Officers asked councillors to postpone consideration of the application so the new material could be fully reviewed and responded to.

The committee unanimously agreed.

If approved, the farm would employ two full-time staff. Birds would be reared for about 38 days before being removed, with around seven-and-a-half production cycles taking place each year.

This news was contributed to by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.

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