A CHICKEN farm which will house up to 180,000 birds has been approved by Herefordshire Council, despite concerns about odour and noise.

The four poultry buildings will be put up at land by Flag Station, which is a grade II listed building, in Mansel Lacy.

Applicant James Davenport spoke at the council's planning committee yesterday and said it will be managed with attention to detail by the Powell family who are tenants.

Farmer Tom Powell said the family business needed to diversify from potatoes and cereal so the farm can continue to operate.

But residents who live in the surrounding area were unhappy with the proposals.

Pamela Powell raised concerns about smells and drainage problems, while David Palmer said the new development would be a massive threat to his holiday home complex, Shetton Barns, where special occasions are often held.

Local member Cllr Adrian Blackshaw supported the development and said both Natural England and the Environment Agency(EA) had no objections.

He noted the environmental health manager's report said, given the distances involved from the residential properties, he does not expect any nuisance from light, dust, noise or odour.

Cllr Blackshaw said the council has to consider food miles, traceability, sustainability and husbandry.

He said the Powell family has an excellent reputation and added: "This is a logical diversification which would secure the future for both family businesses."

The proposal operates on a 35 day growing cycle with seven days thereafter for cleaning out and preparation for the arrival of day-old chicks.

The plans say on three sides there is a mature tree-lined hedge, acting as a natural visual screen to the site.

Cllr Phil Edwards opposed the plan and said the people in "this tranquil area" have almost been ignored.

He said he was concerned the EA raised no objections and questioned if the right procedure had taken place.

Cllr Felicity Norman said she does not agree with industrial farming and raised concern about animal welfare.

She said: "The raising of animals in half the time that is natural to them is not acceptable."

Cllr Bob Matthews said he did not want to put a chicken farm over tourism.

However, Cllr Dave Greenhow added: "In this day and age, odour and noise are far better controlled from chicken houses than what they were in the 70s and 80s."

The plans were passed by a majority vote.