Cross Britain Way, which is part of Macmillan Ways Association, have shared their objection to the proposed IPU application in Frochas with us, which they submitted to Powys County Council Planning recently. Below is the objection letter that they put forward:
“My interest in the proposed IPU site is that I created Cross Britain Way (CBW), the first coast to coast long distance footpath which combines England and Wales and is a Macmillan Way which raises funds for Macmillan Cancer Support. CBW includes the right of way that runs across the site towards Frochas Farm on the lane at the top.
My concerns are:
Firstly, the main broiler house is sited across the footpath which would therefore need diverting, and would necessitate a circuitous alternative route.
Secondly, the proposed development by reason of the size of the building and attendant silos, access, carpark and car and lorry movements, would radically damage the visual amenities and rural character of the area for walkers using the footpath network in this area, whether walking CBW or not. Forgive me for not having all the facts, but this area is surely designated of special landscape value, if not within an AONB, and as such the development would be contrary to the policies for such areas.
As a separate issue, from personal experience, I can testify to the impact of smell from such developments. At the end of the growing cycle, at about six weeks, birds are taken away for slaughter and the houses are cleaned out. At that point chicken waste is taken out, or stored on site first, then taken for spreading. My involvement was in dealing with a similar application and subsequent public inquiry in Oxfordshire, where residents of a nearby village lying largely downwind of the site were strongly objecting, as well as the district council from an environmental health viewpoint.
During the course of the application I visited similar broiler house developments and experienced the smells from the nearby village. Walkers on the paths around Llanerchydol would inevitably suffer the same at times overpowering ammonia-like smells. More to the point I note that the site is under a mile from, and to the west of, the western fringe of Welshpool and I would expect periodic smell problems in the town.
For these reasons I strongly object to the proposal.
Finally, two questions. Is a further application for a footpath diversion required or is it part of this application? And if so, is there not a problem with consent from an adjoining landowner?
And secondly, can I please be notified of any further footpath route changes.”
Tim Brunton
Chairman Cross Britain Way
On behalf of Macmillan Ways Association