A 32,000 bird egg-laying unit is set for construction near Foxholes.

The application, which will be discussed at Ryedale District Council’s planning committee tonight (Tuesday), is for a 110m by 24m building to house the hens, plus an egg store and packing area.

The planning officer’s report said: “The proposed building has a substantial footprint of approximately 2,640 square metres, and within this rural context, can be regarded as a major development.”

The report added that to qualify as free range, the facility will also have doors which open automatically from 8am to dusk to give the birds access to a 16-hectare outside ranging area.

“To comply with RSPCA requirements the external ranging area must extend to a minimum of one hectare for every 2,000 birds,” the report noted.

Approval was recommended.