A 26,000-bird poultry farm application for Murthly has generated nearly 50 objections in just over a week with many raising fears about the impact of the scheme on the health of local children.
International firm Aviagen is asking Perth and Kinross Council to agree to its plans for an industrial poultry unit (IPU) close to the village primary school.
Campaigners took an early stance against the application, writing to both the local authority and the Scottish Government asking that a six month moratorium be placed on IPUs.
With the proposal now open for comments, 49 villagers have lodged objections since September 23 with zero residents writing in support of the chicken farm.
Many of the complaints raise concerns about the proposed location, less than a mile from the local school and downwind of the village.
Objectors have also raised the potential health impact of airborne pathogens created by the farm and say they have fears about Covid-19 – though the International Poultry Council insists there is no evidence that coronavirus can be transmitted by food or by meat.
Susan Briggs, who lives within a mile of the site, said she was “horrified” by the proposal and worried about her children’s health.
She said: “The smell and airborne pathogens which would be released due to this concern me greatly as both my children have asthma.
“To also have this proposed site right next to our local primary school is ludicrous and frankly shows no concern to the safety and wellbeing of young children.”
Fellow objector, Jo-Anne Jolly, said: “The facility would be far too close to Murthly Primary School.
“Children play outside all the time and there is a risk they could become ill, particularly those who are highly susceptible.”
Aviagen has tried to allay concerns, saying the proposed farm will be state-of-the-art in its design.
A company spokesperson said: “We understand certain parts of the community in the Druids Park estate may have concerns and we continue to welcome all feedback.
“We have worked hard to address any concerns raised through the pre-application consultation process, when the whole community was invited to feedback on the plans.
“We have been safely and successfully operating farms in Perthshire and wider Scotland for over 60 years and can reassure those who have raised concerns that this will be a state of the art, energy efficient farm designed for the purpose of rearing breeding birds, maximising their welfare and health and at the same time minimising the impact on the environment.”
