July 14, 2011

UK's broiler expansion plans gets declined

Plans for a new 250,000 chicken broiler unit in UK's Shropshire have finally been rejected by planning officials on appeal.

The plans for the five separate buildings at Foxholes Farm Buildings, Little Ness, near Oswestry, had drawn significant protests from local residents concerned over potential harm to the environment. There were also worries about the increased flow of traffic.

As a result of the protests, Shropshire County Council turned down the original application in 2010, despite assurances the site would be landscaped and traffic flow would be regulated.

The developers also said that the new unit would create new jobs and help to ensure a home-produced supply of broilers at a time when imports were increasing.

Following the rejection, farmer Guy Davies launched the appeal which has now also been turned down.

Planning inspector Gyllian Grindey said, "I conclude that there would be a detrimental effect from the proposal on the living conditions of nearby residents. The scheme would be out of character with the village and the small-scale nature of the countryside hereabouts and would harm the visual qualities that are clearly cherished by many."