Controversial plans for a chicken farm in Abergele have been withdrawn ahead of meeting due to take place today.

The withdrawal follows recommendations to Conwy County Borough Council’s planning committee meeting to refuse approval to the chicken rearing unit at protected the Y Fron, Twyll Llwynog site, put forward by Abergele farmers ER & EW Roberts.

The farm – which would rear 38,000 chickens and produce 190 tonnes of manure annually – has been heavily opposed by a number of residents over potential impact on a site of scientific interest and on residents of the nearby Fox Hole hamlet.

Noel Garlick, the closest resident to the proposed development, responded: “We always thought it would end positively for us. It just didn’t seem to be feasible to erect something as ugly as ugly can be on a site of incredible beauty.

“However, we’re just a small hamlet of 11 houses, so we’re really grateful to the people of Abergele for recognising how bad this would be for the area.”

The report set before councillors last week noted that despite significant opposition, the proposal received 36 letters of support during public consultation.

National Resources Wales’ also noted that should the farm raise fewer than 40,000 chickens, it would negatively impact any of the issues residents have with the proposal.

A total of 111 representations expressed concerns about the 1,900 square-metre unit’s proximity to Abergele hospital about half a mile away, increased traffic on a narrow road that leads to the farm and the impact of odour, noise and light pollution. Some campaigners had taken to spraying graffiti to express their objections, action which was condemned by nearby residents.

The report states: “Officers consider that the traffic impacts are acceptable, and there is no objection in principle from National Resources Wales.

“Concerns on matters such as lighting, noise and on-site manure spreading can be addressed by condition.

“However, there are three issues which are still of concern. The first relates to the impact of both the building and access, including significant alterations to ground levels, on the character and appearance of the special landscape area.

“In the absence of a tree survey, the potential damage caused by earthworks to the long-term viability of mature trees forms part of this concern. The second relates to amenity concerns, particularly relating to odour.

“The third relates to the matter of surface water drainage. There is concern that run-off from the building and access would be directed down slope towards the highway. On the evidence currently available, officers recommend that the planning application be refused.”

Mr Garlick said: “I don’t see that there will be another proposal for this chicken farm. The amount of issues involved with the farm have clearly deterred the financial backers.”

The agent acting on behalf of the applicant has been approached for comment.