A CONTROVERSIAL £1.2 million egg-production unit near York has been recommended for planning permission.

The scheme for a laying building for 32,000 hens in Wheldrake should be approved by City of York Council, according to a planning officer's report.

Members of the council's planning committee will vote on the application for land west of Hagg Wood Farm, Broad Highway next Thursday (April 21).

>>> See the planning report here

The plan was described as a "legalised form of battery farming" on an online petition signed by more than 1,600 people.

However Ian Pick Associates, the agent for applicant Christopher Hobson, labelled the 131m x 23m building as "a free range egg unit" and "an essential farm diversification project."

Council development management officer Neil Massey has advised members to give the scheme outline planning permission.

If councillors agree, a detailed reserved matters application should be lodged within three years.

Mr Massey's report states: "The proposed building has a relatively large footprint, however, it is not excessive in scale in respect to intensive farming methods. Agriculture is not inappropriate development in the Green Belt.

"The scale of the development is such that officers consider that it will detract from the openness of the Green Belt.

"It is considered however, that this negative impact should be balanced against the economic benefits from the proposed farm diversification."

Mr Massey said the low level of traffic would not create safety problems, provided two passing places are installed.

He added: "Officers are satisfied that any pollution coming from the site will be within acceptable levels and not harm residential amenity.

"In addition, it is not considered that the proposal will damage important habitats for wildlife."

The agenda for next Thursday's meeting states that the council has received 120 letters and a petition with 1,360 names objecting to the proposal. That petition is understood to have been separate from the online one.

Highway issues, wildlife, pollution, drainage and visual amenity are listed as the objectors' main concerns.

Ian Pick Associates has previously stated: "The existing cereal and dairy activities on the farm are suffering from serious financial pressure and low commodity prices.

"This proposal will secure existing employment within the business - currently extending to 10 employees, plus directors and owners - and provide the applicants with a much-needed diversified source of income."

David Randon, chairman of Wheldrake Parish Council and the local branch of the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE), has stated the plan would have a negative visual impact on the ancient woodland of nearby Hagg Wood.

He said: "We are objecting because of the size and massing of the structure. It's a very large building - over 100 metres long and 23 metres wide."