Plans for Ruabon chicken farm for more than 200,000 birds backed for approval

Plans to build a large chicken farm for up to 225,000 birds have been backed for approval, despite residents sending more than 60 objections.

A planning application was submitted for four large chicken sheds at Cinders Farm in Ruabon in July.

It led villagers to launch a campaign calling for the proposals to be rejected amid concerns the rearing houses, measuring 110 metres long and 25m wide, would create an ‘eyesore’.

Wrexham Council has received 65 objections from neighbours who have also raised fears about the impact on the road network.

However, the local authority’s head of planning has recommended the scheme should be granted when it goes before councillors next week.

In his report Lawrence Isted said weight should be given to the economic impact of the development.

“The applicant’s submissions indicate that the proposed development will require a full-time worker and a part time worker,” he said.

“While this level of employment is relatively low in comparison to the scale of the development, the indirect employment opportunities could amount to around 43 full time equivalent employees through opportunities in relation to the construction phase, back-up manpower during the flock rotation cycle, feed and fuel production and delivery and ongoing site monitoring and maintenance.”

Mr Isted added: “Welsh Government Technical Advice Note Six is clear that planning authorities should support diversification of the rural economy as a way to provide local employment opportunities, increase local economic prosperity and minimise the need to travel for employment.

“While the footprint of the building is quite substantial it will not be unduly prominent within or result in significant harm to the appearance of the immediate vicinity or to the wider landscape.

“The applicants have proposed measures to manage on site pollution which will be overseen via the environmental permit regime.

“I am therefore satisfied that adequate provisions are in place to ensure the development does give rise to harmful pollution or harmful impacts upon residential amenity.”

Mr Isted said he did not believe there was enough evidence to suggest the proposal would be harmful to highway safety.

He added that Soaltar Farming would be required to put mitigation measures in place, such as new visibility splays, if permission is granted.

He also highlighted a recent successful planning appeal for a poultry facility  Mulsford Farm in Sarn as a similar case.

However, members of Erbistock and Eyton Community Council have objected on the grounds they believe there is is inadequate road access for large lorries to access the farm via the B5426.

They also claimed the proposals would result in a large amount of unprocessed chicken waste, which may affect properties in the community.

The plans will go before Wrexham Council’s planning committee next Monday.

*Picture: Soaltar Farming

By Liam Randall – BBC Local Democracy Reporter (more here on the LDR scheme).