PLANS to create a rearing farm for 38,000 chickens in Abergele are being opposed by residents, who say it would be a “monstrosity”.

Concerns have been raised about “odour and and pollution from manure, increased traffic and extraction fans on a colony of protected lesser horseshoe bats” if the proposed operation at Y Fron, Twyll Llwynog is given the go-ahead.

Residents of the Fox Hole – an 11-home hamlet about a mile from Abergele town centre – are opposing the application submitted to Conwy Council.

The proposals include the erection of the poultry rearing unit, feed silos and an office unit.

Objections have also been backed by TV presenter Iolo Williams, the campaign for the Protection of Rural Wales and the Woodland Trust.

One resident, living just 185 metres away, said: “The smell is going to be awful. Feathers are going to be blowing about. It will be a monstrosity.

“It can only be described as an industrial building which will be stuck to an area that is site of special scientific interest and an ancient woodland that attracts a lot of walkers.

“This thing is going to be massive and this is just a small hamlet. If this goes ahead, it will destroy the whole character of the place.”

Noel Garlick, the closest resident to the development, added: “I am deeply concerned by the effect on the area of ancient woodland and the hum from the fans which may affect the bats getting around. We also have a good colony of swallows that visit annually which will be troubled.

“This unit will also attract vermin of various kinds, becoming a health hazard to any animal that walks, slithers or hops down the lane - let alone us humans.”

The application has been put forward by Abergele farmers ER & EW Roberts. The farmers are aiming to diversify their business, which currently rears sheep on the 12-acre Y Fron site.

The proposed new business aims to rear newly hatched chicks before transportation to free range farms, requiring about 15 heavy goods vehicles travelling back and forth to the 1,900 square-metre unit over an 18-week period.

Iolo said: “I am very concerned at the proliferation of intensive poultry and pig farms in rural Wales.

“As a country with a strong farming tradition, I am ashamed to see Wales going in this direction.”

Fears have also been raised over the potentially devastating impact for bats roosting 400 metres away in Coed y Gopa, and other wildlife, who may be disrupted by industrial fans.

One Abergele resident spoke in support the application as part of a consultation.

They said: “I wish them [the applicant] and their young family all the best in getting planning for this new venture and diversifying and to secure a future for their young family working on the land.”

Another resident from Llanddulas also gave the applicant their backing.

“I can only feel that the introduction of new business to the area that allows young families to stay in the area and make a living can only be a positive thing, providing that the concerns of the local residents are addressed.”

A report to Conwy County Borough Council’s planning officers, stated: “The department would not recommend that planning consent be granted as it is considered the proposal outlined has the potential to cause nuisance and have a detrimental effect on the residential amenity of the nearby sensitive receptors.

“A noise assessment should have been submitted with the proposal.”