Concerns of plans for 16,000 capacity chicken farm

PLANS to build a chicken farm between Cheltenham and Gloucester would create an awful stench, say residents.

An application has been lodged with Tewkesbury Borough Council for a 16,000 capacity free range egg production unit off Withybridge Lane in Staverton.

But people living nearby have already voiced their concerns and said the foul smell of bird droppings would drive down the quality of living.

Jason Clarke, landlord of the House in the Tree, in Withybridge Lane, said it would have a negative impact on the pub.

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"We are not all that pleased about it," he said.

"We are only about three fields away from the site of the application and, if the wind is blowing in our direction, it doesn't take much imagination to realise it will smell pretty bad.

"We are a summer pub with outdoor seating and an outdoor children's play area. If these plans go ahead it will certainly have an adverse effect on us."

Mr Clarke said he was also concerned if the plans were approved it could lead to a build-up of traffic in Withybridge Lane.

"It's already quite busy along here," he added. "If this goes ahead we will have all the farm related traffic going along here too, which is far from ideal."

Residents are also concerned about the proposals.

Francesca Gibbons, who lives in the area, said: "I am against these plans as I don't want to live next to a chicken farm.

"I am also concerned a lot of people living around here don't even know about the application.

"It's Christmas time and people are often away. It's important they get a chance to have their say before it's too late."

Gavin and Sarah Olney, of Manor Farm, Uckington, are behind the plans for the 2,200 square metre plot.

The unit, which would be 115 metres long and 18 metres wide, at a height of five metres, would be made of timber.

The application states that "great care" would be taken to manage any odour within the unit, when a ventilation fan to ensure it is kept dry.

A decision on the plans is due to be made by chiefs at Tewkesbury Borough Council by February 19. For more information, go to the planning portal at www.tewkesbury.gov.uk (Ref: 12/01129/FUL).