PLANS to extend two chicken sheds at an Abergavenny farm are due to be discussed by the council’s Planning committee next week.

Organic farmer Philip Hunt wants to extend two chicken sheds to house more birds at Ty’r Pwll Farm, Hardwick.

Mr Hunt, who produces free range eggs, wants to add the extension to enable him to house an extra 800 birds in each shed.

This would mean each shed would increase its capacity from 1200 to 2000 birds and provide two areas of 173 sq metres for egg production and indoor scratching areas.

Mr Hunt said the extension is needed to maintain the margins needed to account for the increased cost in both labour and raw materials, whilst maintaining the current competitive price for the eggs.

The chicken units must be set in open fields, rather than within a farmyard, to allow free range areas for the birds which are controlled by re-locatable electric fences.

There have been no objections from Llanover community council or environmental health and planning officers have concluded that the development will not have an adverse impact on the landscape or environment and that it represents a means of supporting the existing agricultural enterprise on the farm holding.

One letter of objection raises concerns about the distance of the shed from neighbouring Llwyn-Cecil Farm.

The extension would be less than 200metres away from the house and the runs, within 50 metres.

Other concerns from neighbours include the increase in the noise and smell and the impact on health from the chickens.

Planning officers at Monmouthshire council are recommending the application is approved when it comes before the planning committee at County Hall on Tuesday.