Council issues polytunnel enforcement notice at chicken farm site

The council has served an enforcement notice over an 'unauthorised' polytunnel at the site of a controversial chicken farm application.

This week, a container has been delivered to the field, along with a polytunnel (a polythene-covered frame).

There are also several sheds on the site between Lightlands Lane and Strande Lane.

Cllr Derek Wilson (Con, Oldfield), lead member for planning, said: “The council has served an enforcement notice requiring that the unauthorised polytunnel be removed from the site. The Notice will take effect in 28 days and then there will be 14 days to remove the polytunnel.

“It is important that the council served the enforcement notice because it cannot have buildings being erected without the appropriate planning permission on land within the floodplain.”

The owner of the site has had two planning applications refused for large poultry sheds, but has continued with other works under permitted development rights.

Digging work has gone on for the last two weeks and villagers have raised concerns that hard standing could be put in the field despite it being a high flood risk.