AN APPEAL has been launched after plans to house up to 100,000 chickens at a farm on the outskirts of Wrexham were rejected.

Wrexham Council turned down proposals to build two large poultry sheds to breed birds for meat production at Mulsford Farm in Sarn, near the Cheshire border, after they were greeted with widespread opposition.

A petition launched by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) attracted more than 9,000 signatures as campaigners claimed it would create a 'factory-farm hellhole'.

Meanwhile, planning committee members said they were concerned about the impact on the surrounding countryside after refusing the application in July.

However, the farm's owners DJ Huxley Farms Ltd have now launched an appeal against the decision.

The family-run company said moving into poultry production was 'essential' to ensure their business remains viable.

An appeal letter written on their behalf states: "The proposed diversification into intensive poultry production is part of business growth and a crucial factor for the efficiency and profitability of the unit.

"The location of the building has been carefully considered and will be well screened from all elevations.

"No significant adverse visual effects have been identified in this assessment.

"The economic benefits especially in the current economic climate are a material planning consideration, and are a welcome investment boost to the local rural economy and we feel this outweighs the suggestive visual impact.

"Given that no other reasons were given for the refusal of the application it is accepted that the proposal is acceptable in all other regards."

Councillors were originally recommended by officers to approve the scheme.

But after carrying out a site visit, they said they could not support it because of the size of the buildings at 108 metres long.

Their decision came despite assurances from the company that the farm would be well-managed and have little impact on the surrounding area.

Speaking at the meeting, Cllr John Pritchard, who represents the village of Marchwiel where there is similar facility, said: "It is a great impact at 108 metres long and as you walk the stretch of land, it is a huge building for a site like that.

"I cannot go along with the application and I do believe that in terms of the impact on the countryside and the special landscape area, those policies do cover this application."

The appeal will be considered by the Planning Inspectorate at a date