Concerns over new houses opposite slaughterhouse

New homes are to be built near a slaughterhouse despite its owners warning they would be in "direct line of sight" of millions of birds being sent to slaughter.

The four properties were approved for opposite Traditional Norfolk Poultry (TNP) in Shropham, Norfolk.

At a recent Breckland Council planning meeting, TNP's managing director, Mark Gorton, warned of "constant and endless" activity at the premises which operate 24 hours a day.

Councillors voted to approve the homes after a split vote of seven in favour and three against.

TNP employs about 600 people, 1with lorries carrying live birds and waste in and out of the site.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, there were fears the development could lead to complaints and even demonstrations.

Phillip Cowen, Conservative councillor at Breckland, said: "I have serious concerns about activism that may occur.

"The application would not go down well in the community and not go down well with anyone who might see it in the future."

TNP put in an objection to the application for the two-storey houses which it said would overlook its live bird holding area.

Mr Gorton said: "It's a very emotive subject for some people."

David Napier, the chairman of the village's parish council, said the site "was an integral part of the village" and warned there would be lorry movements which could result in lights shining through residents' windows.

The applicant, Mr T Blanchflower, argued sufficient mitigation measures had been put in place.

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