Planners say yes to giant poultry unit

Plans to build two massive poultry sheds to start a free-range egg business near Audlem look set to get the green light.

Planners are recommending approval for huge sheds to house 32,000 egg laying chickens on 112 acres of open fields near Oak Farm, Broomhall when councillors meet to rule on the proposal next week.

The proposed sheds, measuring 76 metres by 44 metres, would be connected by a control room and have four giant feed bins

A report to Cheshire East's Southern Area Planning Board says that although the site lies in open countryside, the proposed development falls within the definition of agriculture and so complies with the Local Plan.

Planning officers add that although the footprint of the building would also be large, at over 3,300 square metres, the scale is typical of a modern poultry unit.

The report adds: "The proposed poultry sheds would be situated within a natural hollow within the site, acting to reduce the visual impact of the development within the character of the area."

The units would produce relatively light traffic of approximately 10 HGV movements per week plus a small amount of traffic from lighter vehicles, the report says.

Although some great crested newts have been found in nearby ponds they will be largely unaffected and measures can be taken to mitigate any harm, councillors will be told.

In recommending approval the reports finds: "The proposed poultry house will provide an agricultural building of appropriate size and design for the proposed use."

Members of the Southern Area Planning Committee meet on September 18th to decide on whether to approve the scheme.

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