RESIDENTS are in an uproar after plans have been revealed for a proposed free range egg production farm that can hold up to 32,000 chickens.

Members of the Appleshaw Action Group are ‘vehemently’ against a planning application for two linked agricultural buildings, four feed bins and associated works on land south of Hill Copse, Privet Lane.

Concerns that leader of the group, Miles Woodhouse, have include increased traffic, odour and environmental impact.

Planning documents submitted show a need for the disposal of farmyard manure from the site, with an anticipated 16 tonnes per week to be removed in sheeted trailers for disposal as an agricultural fertiliser on farmland.

Chairman of Appleshaw Parish Council, Anne Cowlin, said: “This is an outrageous plan on grounds of smell, increased traffic and environmental concerns.

“The people applying for this have themselves admitted the smell will be ‘moderately offensive.’ We don’t want anything offensive, thank you very much.”

Darren Moore and his family live over the road to the proposed site.

He said: “I think traffic is the main concern because there are lots of accidents there. There’s something like an accident once a month - it’s a dangerous road.

“The extra traffic going in and out of is going to be horrendous, I don’t know how anyone thinks it’s a good idea.”

Resident and former parish council chairman, Bruce Parker, is also concerned.

The former BBC journalist and MBE recipient said: “This is quite the wrong place for a production plant of this kind and we oppose it vehemently.

“I’veneveractuallymetthepeople who want to set it up but family have lived in the community for years - why on earth would they want to spoil Appleshaw?

“Apparently, some of them live abroad for part of the year. Well, that’s fine but the rest of us will have to put up with the stench all year round.”

Test Valley Borough Council representative for Penton Bellinger, councillor Philip Lashbrook, said: “Councillor Pam Mutton and I are aware that many local residents have concerns over this application.

“Councillor Mutton and I are determined to represent those concerns to officers and, should it be necessary, to the Northern Area Planning Committee of Test Valley Borough Council.”

The application can be viewed at testvalley.gov.uk/planningand-building/viewplanningapplicationsonline and search for reference 17/01862/FULLN.