VILLAGERS in Croft may soon have not one but 9,000 new neighbours.

That's because plans have gone in to house 9,000 hens in an organic, free range egg production unit on the former Spring Field Farm site.

The proposals would see a 100.660 metre by 18.288 metre unit built alongside a mobile accommodation unit for workers on the land on Spring Lane in the village.

Nearby residents have already voiced their concern though, saying they don't think the area is suitable for such a development.

One villager who didn't want to be named said: "Having 9,000 hens will produce a lot of dirt and manure and imagine all the noise that will be generated. Residents are also concerned about the size of the grain tower needed in the building.

"On the planning application it states the scheme is on Spring Field farm but that was actually demolished in the early 1970s. There have been some concerns that this application is to get a house built in the area. It has happened in other areas an application for a mobile home has gone in and eventually that becomes something more permanent.

"If anyone wants to object to the scheme they have only got until next Monday to get their concerns in so it doesn't leave long."

The planning application is requesting full permission to build the development and states there would have to be some alterations to the existing roads to ensure access. There would also be four car parking spaces on site.

The developers behind the proposals have been asked by council officials to clarify why the mobile accommodation is needed on site. Their response was that a worker needs to be on site to make sure it conforms to free range standards, to maintain security and access, to react to any welfare issues and to ensure foxes are kept at bay.