Residents Fight Farm Plans For Chicken House

UK - Plans for a chicken unit at a Dymock beauty spot have made residents see red.The plans are for a free range chicken house, catering for 12,000 birds, on land near the village.
calendar icon 16 February 2007
clock icon 3 minute read

The applicant, Moira Bennion, of Drews farm, says if her plans - which include changes to the access and a hedge realignment - are approved she will apply for another house of 12,000 chickens.

But residents living close to the proposed site, near Greenway, have started a petition, which has 30 names on it so far.

They say that the site is overlooked by the Poets' Path, which is used by thousands of people each year who come to see the wild daffodils and walk the route.

The campaigners are also concerned about damage to the verges, noise and smell. And they have concerns about the risk of bird flu.

Resident Richard Lee said: "The lane is part of the famous Dymock poets footpath, as well as being a recognised cycle route through an area of outstanding natural beauty."

Another local, Lynn Hunt said: "My major concerns are the volume and weight of traffic.

"We moved to Leddington for peace and quiet, but this will inevitably lead to the destruction of the verges and the unique wild daffodils that grow here."

Mrs Bennion, said she had been hurt by comments from the objectors.

Information in support of the plans says there would only be a minimal smell for one or two days a year when the house is cleaned out.

She said: "We would make the area look very attractive and plan to plant more trees because research shows hens like to shelter under them.

"It is our livelihood. I don't think the objectors understand how precious our land is to us.

"As farmers, we would never do anything that would lead to its destruction. We look after our land and are very proud of it.

Source: ThisIsGloucester

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