A FORMER judge is among those fighting plans to build a free range egg farm in Lower Peover, near Smithy Green.

Applicant Ben Wharfe wants to construct a £360,000 building for a flock of 12,000 pullets on land close to Ullard Hall Lane.

Plans have also been submitted to build a temporary dwelling for agricultural workers.

But the proposal has been met with anger from the neighbouring community as the chosen site is on green belt land.

Retired judge John Burke, who left Manchester Crown Court around five years ago, said: “If the green belt is to have any meaning in our small island, this application can only be described as preposterous.

“There are many brownfield sites which can accommodate a development on this scale.

“I lend my support in opposition because of the breathtaking disregard for the fragility of the green belt and for the essence of what is left of rural England.”

Residents have also raised concerns that the development could cause property values to fall, could ‘spoil’ the public right of way and would be an eyesore.

Matthew Cornes, of Foxcovert Lane, said: “The proposed buildings will be quite substantial in width and height and will attract vermin, not to mention the smell generated by 12,000 hens.

“Also there will be an increase in noise from both the plant itself and extra vehicular activity it generates.”

Dave Spencer, of Birchwood Drive, added: “The introduction of industrial farming is at odds with present dairy and horticultural use.

“The unit is probably unviable in the face of falling egg prices and competition from larger established units.”

But in a report submitted to Cheshire East Council, Mr Wharfe, a former Army captain who served in Iraq and Northern Ireland, says he knows the risks and has identified a business plan.

The 31-year-old has estimated that the business will make a return on its investment of £45,839 per year.

Plumley with Toft and Bexton Parish Council has also recommended that the plans should be approved.

Residents have until September 1 to submit comments.

Write to Cheshire East Council, Development management northern office, Town Hall, Market Place, Macclesfield, SK10 1DT quoting reference 10/2729M.

The owner of Ullard Hall Farm has asked the Guardian to point out that the application has nothing to do with them.