Snowdonia’s biggest-ever poultry farm has been given planning permission by national park chiefs despite local concerns over potential dust and odour.

Glyn and Janet Pugh of Ty’n Pwll, Llanegryn, had applied to build the unit on 2,700 square metres of farmland at Fferm Castell Mawr, Llanegryn, which is near six ancient woodlands and three Sites of Special Scientific Interest.

The development, roughly the size of a football pitch, looks set to hold up to 32,000 hens on a free range basis while also enjoying access to 40 acres of adjoining land.

But a decision on the proposals has been delayed for several months, despite being on their desks since last autumn.

In March, park planning officers initially recommended refusal for the plans despite the promise that two jobs would be created if given the green light.

But at the eleventh hour, the applicants requested a deferral to allow them to present more information to prove their claims that it would not generate the amount of noise and smell that neighbours raised concern over.

As a result the latest officers’ report saw a dramatic U-turn, recommending approval on the basis that the applicants had provided the necessary evidence and were satisfied any concerns could be mitigated.

This is despite a social media movement known as ‘STOP proposed Industrial Poultry Unit in Dysynni Valley Snowdonia National Park’, with local residents also voicing concern during the meeting held this morning (Wednesday) in Maentwrog.

It noted: “In view of the additional comments presented by the Public Protection Service and this authority’s consultant who have reviewed the additional comments by the applicant on air quality implications following the last Planning and Access Committee it is evident that any potential loss in neighbouring amenity can be mitigated through conditions attached to a planning approval notice.”

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