Town Council ‘strongly objects’ to Frochas plan

Welshpool Planning and Development Committee has unanimously voted to "strongly object" to the proposed planning application from Frochas Farm to build a 150,000-capacity chicken farm close to Dingle Nurseries & Gardens.

A large turn-out of more than 70 residents saw the committee object by 8 votes to 0, with no abstentions, against the application giving 15 grounds for their strong objection.

They also requested that the application is presented to the Full Committee at Powys County Council and not decided at Officer level, and that due to the high level of interest in the application, the committee meeting takes place in Welshpool, and not at Llandrindod Wells county offices.

The application for three 5.5metres high chicken sheds, totalling 7,200 square metres will still go before Powys County Council as they are the final decision maker. 

Among the main areas of concern made by the public included the impact on Dingle Nurseries, increased HGV traffic on the narrow single track country lane in Frochas, knock on health effects on children, the elderly and those with respiratory issues, environmental damage and the influx of flies pests and vermin.

Campaigners say that vast amounts of chicken manure could potentially be spread in areas close to Welshpool community facilities. They said that the proposed poultry unit will produce manure and poultry dust from over one million chickens per year resulting in 2,250 tonnes of chicken manure, which is rich in ammonia, and the applicant Frochas Farm is planning on spreading a significant amount of this on fields through Frochas and closer to Welshpool just off Windmill Lane, many of which are on steep slopes where run off is a high risk throughout the year.

Residents still have until August 2 to submit their views to the council. Powys Council has said it will not be publicising peoples’ details and information that object in accordance with data protection laws.