RESIDENTS are 'delighted' not to start the new year with a big stink after plans for a free range egg production farm was withdrawn.

Appleshaw residents are celebrating after the application for the farm, which could have held up to 32,000 chickens, was withdrawn earlier this year.

As previously reported members of the Appleshaw Action Group were ‘vehemently’ against a planning application for two linked agricultural buildings, four feed bins and associated works on land south of Hill Copse, Privet Lane.

Leader of the group, Miles Woodhouse, had concerns against the plans, including increased traffic, odour and environmental impact.

Chairman of Appleshaw Parish Council, Anne Cowlin, said the plan was 'outrageous' in regards of smell, increased traffic and environmental concerns.

In a planning document the parish council officially objected to the application citing 10 reasons.

These included landscape, ecology, contamination of water, odour archaeology, tourism, quality of development, noise and contravention to the local plan.

Test Valley Borough Council representative for Penton Bellinger, Councillor Philip Lashbrook, had said he and Councillor Pam Mutton were aware of Appleshaw resident's concerns.

He added they were 'determined' to represent those concerns to planning officers and councillors.

And now that the applicant has withdrawn his application, Cllr Lashbrook said: “The applicant has taken onboard the concerns of the residents of Appleshaw, and after a discussion with village representatives, has acted with great magnanimity.

"My colleague, Councillor Pam Mutton, and I are grateful to the applicant for his consideration towards everyone living in this delightful village."

Resident and former parish council chairman, Bruce Parker, was also concerned with how the proposed farm would affect the village.

But now the former BBC journalist and MBE recipient has now said he is 'delighted' the applicants have withdrawn the plan.

He said: "I'm delighted they saw fit to withdraw and resited it in a more suitable place."

But now a new application for two agricultural buildings for free range egg production has been submitted to planning chiefs.

The proposal plans on building on a 1.8 hectare site agricultural land east of Andover Road, Redenham.

The new application is set to be discussed in the new year - reference number 17/02957/FULLN