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64,000-bird chicken farm set for go-ahead near Stafford

A chicken farm housing tens of thousands of birds is set to be built near Stafford despite objections.

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The unit could be built near Eccleshall

Council officers have recommended approval for four 209ft by 75ft buildings on land at Seighford Settled Estates.

The units will house up to 64,000 chickens and three new jobs will be created as part of the application from James Eld for the free range poultry unit.

But some residents are unhappy about the plans. A total of 11 were consulted and six replied, all objecting to the plans.

One resident said: “The surrounding highways are already inadequate for use by large industrial vehicles or farm vehicles. It will be dangerous for walkers, riders, cyclists other drivers. There will be increased traffic through Seighford village. There’s no mention of screening to hide an ugly industrial building.”

Another resident said: “I have no doubt that they will be outside, but how much room per chicken they will have is a worry. Size of a postage stamp comes to mind.

“The welfare of the chickens ought to be paramount. To have 64,000 chickens is very extreme.”

In a report going to the meeting it says: "The egg production sheds are shown set back from Clanford Road by at least 160m.

"The development would comprise of four buildings linked by a covered control and egg packing area.

"The buildings would be 139m long, 51m wide, with an eaves height of 3.60m and a ridge height of 6.35m. External finishes are shown to be a dark green box profile polyester coated sheet for the roof and walls.

"The application explains that the buildings would have pop holes at ground level to allow the birds to freely enter and exit the building between 8am and 9pm, and closing slightly earlier in the winter.

"The proposals would also not have a significant impact on heritage interests, subject to further archaeological investigation, and would have a low ecological impact subject to mitigation measures being implemented.

"Given the social and economic benefits that would accrue from the proposals in terms of rural business development; the creation of rural employment; and the biodiversity enhancements, it is not considered that the impact of the buildings on the landscape would be sufficiently harmful in the visual context of the site and its surroundings to warrant refusal of planning permission providing that the proposed mitigation measures are carried out and maintained."

The planning committee is set to make a decision on Monday.

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