D-day for chicken farm plan

PLANS for a controversial Perthshire chicken farm could be approved tomorrow, despite opposition from locals.

Farmer Peter Grewar wants to create a free range poultry site for up to 32,000 hens as part of an expansion of his farm at East Ardler, near Coupar Angus.

Agents say the move will help diversify the company – best known for its potatoes – and create employment, including spin-off jobs for the haulage and agriculture sector.

However, the proposal has come up against a backlash from residents.

More than 60 people have written to Perth and Kinross Council’s planning office calling for the scheme to be scrapped.

They have raised concerns about potential noise pollution, excess odours and an increase in traffic.

There are also worries about the welfare of the birds, although the council has been assured that the farm will run at industry standards.

Members of the authority’s planning and development management committee will tomorrow be asked to approve Mr Grewar’s application for planning consent.

Interim development quality manager Anne Condliffe said because of the distance between the site and the nearest property – about 520 metres – a detailed noise and odour assessment was not required.