Plans to double chicken farm near Market Drayton

Bradeley Farm in Childs Ercall, near Market Drayton, plan to build two new poultry sheds, adding a further 88,000 birds to the site.

The plans have been recommended for approval by Shropshire Council planning officers.

There is currently an existing poultry unit consisting of two poultry buildings and associated infrastructure with a permit in place for 85,000 bird places. There are currently 82,000 birds on site.

The Clifton Family, who own Bradeley Farm, also plan to build three new feed silos and create access improvements.

A report, written by case officer Philip Mullineux, states: "The poultry houses will each measure 100 metres long x 20 metres wide and will be 4.5 metres to the ridge.

“There will also be three feed bins and a water tank situated in between the two sheds.

"The two purpose designed broiler poultry buildings will be constructed to the same standard construction methods as the existing poultry buildings alongside the site.

"The buildings have been sited according to the ground levels."

The plans have been support by Childs Ercall Parish Council, who said that the construction will fit in with the existing buildings.

The parish council also said the applicant has stated in the planning statement that access to the site will be from the most direct route off the A41 to the west of the site, as is the current situation for the existing poultry units, thus avoiding the narrow Crow Lane access and the centre of Childs Ercall.

The Environment Agency has also responded with no objections.

Mr Mullineux added: "It is acknowledged that the development as proposed is significant in scale and will have an impact on the landscape.

"However it is considered on balance with consideration to the location, size and scale and cumulative impacts that this will not be of an adverse effect.

"Public highway access matters are considered acceptable. The development raises no adverse concerns from any of the statutory consultees to the application, or from the local parish council, and members of the public.

"As such the proposed development is considered acceptable."

The plans will be discussed at a meeting of Shropshire Council’s North Planning Committee at 2pm on Tuesday at Shirehall.