CONTROVERSIAL plans to build a "chicken city" which will house 160,000 birds have been recommended for approval by planners.

Permission was granted at appeal in January for the broiler farm in Upton Snodsbury to build two chicken units, each housing 40,000 chickens, on land north east of Froghall Bungalow, Naunton Road.

But the new proposals will see production double with the number of sheds potentially increasing to four if they are approved at Wychavon District Council's planning committee on Thursday, September 11.

Campaigners have opposed the plans, submitted by Edward Davies, since last year as part of Wychavon Parishes Action Group and are asking people to show their support by attending the 2pm meeting.

They fear the broiler farm will have a detrimental impact on the landscape and biodiversity of the area as well as create noise, odour and light pollution as well as highways issues.

The group, which is formed from members of Upton Snodsbury, Cowsden, Naunton Beauchamp, North Piddle and Flyford Flavell, say they are not against development but want to preserve a beautiful part of the Worcestershire countryside.

Animal welfare campaign group PETA, the international organisation of people for the ethical treatment of animals, submitted a petition signed by 26,000 people calling on the council to reject the plans.

Sally Smallcombe, a farmer whose property adjoins the ‘chicken city’ operation, believes the area the proposed chicken sheds are planned for is not suitable for the type of operation.

Mrs Smallcombe said: "It will destroy this beautiful rural area and its wildlife as well as wreck the tourism industry which has been so carefully nurtured in Wychavon.

"There has been insufficient research done on the impact of the operation on Piddle Brook which is only 100ft from the site and our narrow lanes won’t cope with the hundreds of lorries driving at all times of day and night.

"Wychavon Parishes Action Group is lobbying the council committee to refuse planning permission for this operation which will destroy our landscape, tourism and wildlife and only create two jobs in return."

The meeting will take place at the Civic Centre, Queen Elizabeth Drive, Pershore.

For more information about the campaign log on to www.no-chicken-farm.org.