Erection of a free range egg laying unit and associated feed bins, hardstandings and new highway access (resubmission of 18/04555/FUL).

The Principal Planning Officer introduced the application for the erection of a free range egg laying unit and associated feed bins, hardstandings and new highway access (resubmission of 18/04555/FUL) and confirmed that the Committee had undertaken a site visit that morning to assess the impact of the proposed development on neighbouring properties and the surrounding area.  Members’ attention was drawn to the information contained within the Schedule of Additional letters, which included a copy of a draft heads of terms, site plan and associated manure management plan in relation to the proposed Section 106/33 agreement for manure management and spreading.  He confirmed that as manure would be spread at Ercall Farm in the area of Telford and Wrekin Council he had contacted the Council and been informed that they were not aware of any concerns and there had been one complaint of odour from that farm in 2006  which was addressed with no complaints of odour since. 

Sarah Moulson, on behalf of Betton and Norton Action Group spoke against the proposal in accordance with Shropshire Council’s Scheme for Public Speaking at Planning Committees.

Councillor Peter Eardley, on behalf of Norton in Hales Parish Council spoke against the proposal in accordance with Shropshire Council’s Scheme for Public Speaking at Planning Committees.

Councillor Graham Sedgley, on behalf of Loggerheads Parish Council (adjoining Parish Council), spoke against the proposal in accordance with Shropshire Council’s Scheme for Public Speaking at Planning Committees.

In accordance with the Local Protocol for Councillors and Officers dealing with Regulatory Matters (Part 5, Paragraph 15.1) Councillor Roy Aldcroft, as local ward councillor, made a statement and then left the table, took no part in the debate and did not vote on this item. During their statement, the following points were raised:

·         The site was within open countryside and the area was classified as ‘timbered pastures’, which was rare within Shropshire (approximately 1.6%) found solely in the north-east of the county and therefore requiring special protection;

·         There were two well used footpaths and an ancient bridleway along the site;

·         The building was of a scale that was out of keeping with the surrounding ancient landscape and the addition of two feed towers were intrusive and ugly;

·         He questioned whether 32,000 chickens would prove profitable and whether this might be the first phase of a larger development;

·         He was concerned that human activity on the site, as well as noise and vibrations during the build would disturb wildlife, including badgers, otters and bats found in the area;

·         The proposed development would have a negative impact on tourism; and

·         The proposed development had been met with a well organised response from local residents and the Parish Council and urged Members to listen to local people and their interpretation of Planning Guidance. 

Ian Pick, Agent on behalf of the applicant spoke in support of the proposal in accordance with Shropshire Council’s Scheme for Public Speaking at Planning Committees.

The Principal Planning Officer and Solicitor responded to some of the comments made by speakers, in relation to farm diversification and impact on tourism, drawing members attention to the relevant paragraphs of the report and the Schedule of Additional Letters. 

Shropshire Council’s Planning Ecologist responded to concerns expressed by some Members, stating that providing the works were conducted as proposed and conditions adhered to, protected species would not be negatively impacted by the development. 

In answer to a question about a recent Court of Appeal decision concerning a proposed poultry development at Tasley, the Solicitor explained that the issues in that case concerned whether the Environment Permit controlled manure spreading off site and whether the EIA assessed the effects of manure spreading as indirect effects of the development. 

During the ensuing debate Members commented that the site visit had been extremely useful and it appeared that the proposed development would have little impact on the surrounding area and appropriate conditions were in place to alleviate the concerns expressed by residents and the surrounding parish councils.  It was also noted that none of the Council’s Statutory Consultees had objected to the proposals. 

Having considered the submitted plans and listened to the comments made by all of the speakers, the majority of Members expressed their support for the proposals.

RESOLVED:

That authority be delegated to the Planning Services Manager for approval subject to the conditions as outlined in appendix one attached to the officer’s report and any modifications to these conditions as considered necessary by the Planning Services Manager and the signing of a Section 106/s33 agreement in relation to manure spreading.