COUcNCILLORS will be discussing a planning application to build a 100,000 chicken farm  near Builth Wells.

The planning committee will be meeting on Thursday, September 12, to consider the proposal by applicant Rob Powell.

Mr Powell wants to build two poultry buildings with feed bins and all the associated infrastructure at land south of Blaenbwch Farm, Maesmynis, Builth Wells.

The two broiler rearing units will measure 104 metres by 24.7 metres with a ridge height of 6.282 metres.

This is will be to take a maximum of 100,000 broiler chickens that are specifically reared for meat production.

The process takes 45 days with each flock. Mr Powell intends to rear eight flocks a year.

A Design and Access statement by agents Ian Pick and Associates on behalf of Mr Powell says: “This proposal is one for the expansion and diversification of an existing family run agricultural business.

“The proposal will provide a diversified income and support the

existing traditional livestock farming business.

“The returns from traditional agricultural practices have declined over recent years.

“The business has an essential requirement to diversify into the profitable poultry enterprise in order to support the existing employment and traditional farming activities.

“This requirement has been further pressurised by the changes to the single

farm payment system as a result of the Brexit vote.”

The statement claims that building the chicken farm will secure employment for all the existing full time farm workers and will support employment in the poultry industry.

Planning officer Louise Evans said: “The development will be located to the south of the existing dwelling of the farmstead at Blaenbwch and will be and isolated form of development in the open countryside.

“The site is currently an agricultural field with agricultural land to the north.

“To the south of the site, there is a military firing range.

“The application site is approximately seven kilometres south of Builth Wells just off the B4520 which is also known as Brecon Road.”

Ms Evans adds: “The development is not considered to unacceptably affect the environment.

“The development is considered to be complaint with local and national planning policy and it is for that the development is recommended for approval.”

The approval is subject to a list of 22 conditions, including a road junction improvement from the B4520 to the unclassified road that HGV’s will take drive to and from the unit.