MORE than 5,000 people have signed a petition opposing a new chicken farm near York.

Plans were submitted recently to build a new chicken factory farm for up to 288,000 animals in Rufforth, near York.

A petition urging City of York Council to reject the application has so far been signed by more than 5,500 people, including York Outer MP Julian Sturdy.

Luke Steele, campaigns manager for Animal Aid who set up the petition, said: “Aside from causing a great deal of animal suffering, it is clear that plans for a chicken factory farm in Rufforth could have a significant impact on local quality of life.

York Press:

“The intensive facility, which will hold up to 288,000 animals, will likely result in pungent smells and there is a very real risk posed by the spread of disease.

“Animal Aid urges City of York Council to listen to the 5,500 objections and reject this ill-thought out proposal.

 Local campaigner Lynne Edwards said: “I believe that Animal Aid has footage taken at one of the applicant’s other farms showing dead birds exposed to the open air, which carries a significant risk to human health.

“The new farm could impede on the villagers’ quality of life by way of heavy traffic, noise, smells and the increased risk of flooding and it must be rejected.”

Scores of people have also objected to the scheme through the council’s official planning site, where documents for the application argue that the chicken sheds are appropriate in the greenbelt.

Planning agents Carter Jonas also say the proposed farm would attract fewer wild birds and be less of a threat to the nearby airfield - which has added its voice to the petition - and the area should not suffer from pollution running off the site.

A decision on the planning application is due next week.