A FARMER'S plans to build a shed housing 16,000 chickens have failed to win the support of a town council.Neighbours breathed a sigh of relief at Wednesday's Eye Town Council meeting as councillors voiced concerns about the revised plans of farmer Chris Ford, of Burnt House Farm, Eye.

A FARMER'S plans to build a shed housing 16,000 chickens have failed to win the support of a town council.

Neighbours breathed a sigh of relief at Wednesday's Eye Town Council meeting as councillors voiced concerns about the revised plans of farmer Chris Ford, of Burnt House Farm, Eye.

Mr Ford first submitted plans in April to build a 120m long eight-metre high shed to house the chickens for egg production.

Now he has put forward revised plans, which remain largely the same but he has clarified some points regarding landscaping, noise, flies, traffic issues and said he would sink the building.

Despite this, David Chapman of the planning committee, said councillors were still not happy with the development of the site, on land off Dragon Hill to the east of the town.

Mr Chapman said they had chosen to refuse the application because it had a “detrimental impact” on the neighbours in close proximity and the development would also be visible from the Castle Mound in the centre of Eye.

Mr Chapman said the road was narrow and winding with the entrance on a blind spot, with high banks preventing drivers from taking evasive action if need be.

Near neighbours Peter Hewitt and Patrick Barraclough attended the meeting saying they were concerned about flies, noise and the visual impact of the building.

Mr Barraclough said: “The building would be 125 metres from my garden and it would be visually intrusive. Mr Ford talks about landscaping but trees take a long time to grow and it would be 20 years before we saw any benefit and got any coverage.

“This is on our southern boundary and would have a serious impact on our lives and those of our neighbours.”

Charles Flatman, also a Mid Suffolk District Councillor, said: “On three occasions I have been down to the site and have not seen any problems with vermin of flies.

“The thing which disturbs me most is the impact it will have on the neighbours. I think it would have a detrimental impact on the properties.

“I would love to support this application because I think farming is going through a crucial time and needs support, but I have to think of the impact it would have on the neighbours, so I would have to vote against it.”

Mr Ford told the meeting he had revised the plans to take into account concerns raised including sinking the main building and making sure the seven-metre feed bins were not higher than the building.

He said the dirt from sinking the building would be used to create bunds, and there were no fans to blow out smells.

There would be no flies as he could not have them irritating his birds and there are driers to dry out the chicken manure - further reducing smells.

Mr Ford said: “We have a rodent expert visit us every six weeks. I have never had criticism for my buildings, only praise.”

Mid Suffolk District Council will have the final say on the proposals.