A CONTROVERSIAL planning application to build a 32,000 bird poultry unit near Newtown will be decided by councillors at their next planning committee meeting on Thursday, September 13.

The applicants, Mr and Mrs Jerman, of Tan yr Wtra, are proposing to site a free range egg laying unit which measures 134 metres in length, 20metres in width and around eight metres in height at their farm near Llanwyddelan, New Mills.

Birds will remain in the building for 13 months, before being removed, building cleaned and a new flock introduced to restart the the egg production cycle.

In their design and access statement on behalf of Mr and Mrs Jerman, agents Roger Parry and Partners said: "Although the business remains viable and successful, the decline in the beef ad sheep sectors and the reduction in the single farm payment scheme over the years is significantly impacting upon the viability of the business.

"The poultry enterprise has been seen as an opportunity to generate another income on the holding.

"It will enable the next generation at Ty'n yr Wtre to live and work on the farm.

"This enterprise has been researched fully and they are confident that the business can be a success and supplement the current marginal farm profits.

"Farm businesses need to change and grow in response to market forces and legislation if they are to survive."

The application was called in for consideration by the planning committee  by local Powys County Councillor, Heulwen Hulme (Rhiwcynon), as it is "exceptionally controversial locally" and it could have implications for a nearby caravan park.

This includes a 248 signature petition urging the committee to turn the proposals down.

Dwyriw Community Council have raised a number of points that they hope will be taken in to consideration.

They believe that a number of wells and boreholes have not been included in a manure management plan, which could affect private water supplies.

They also gave concerns about ammonia, noise pollution levels and the number of poultry units being established in the area.

In a letter against the proposals, Mrs S Gee of Bwlch-y-Ffridd, said: "Personally I find chicken manure far more obnoxious smelling than other muck spreading and I'm sure I'm not alone in that.

"I notice from the plans there will be no muck-spreading close to the applicants' residence, but our properties must bear the brunt of it.

"While I understand the need for some farmers to diversify into other areas, we are over stocked with egg-laying units - we already have two within a mile of us, with a third unit currently being proposed.

"This particular farm business is currently viable and successful, according to the design and access statement, so should have no need to diversify."

The application is being recommended by planning officers for permission but with 24 conditions placed upon it.

Last month a 16,000 poultry unit at nearby Llanfair Caereinion  was given planning permission by planning officers under delegated powers.