Animal rights group PETA has submitted a petition with more than 5,000 signatures against proposals for the erection of 10 poultry buildings and infrastructure in the East Midlands.
The poultry plans have been submitted by Bedfordia Farms Ltd, part of the privately owned British Bedfordia Group, which farms 2,4000ha (6,000 acres) of arable land in north Bedfordshire and south Northamptonshire.
The company wants to build the 10 buildings, each with a capacity for 54,000 birds, on land near Rushden with the birds being reared from day old chicks.
The petition, which has been sent to East Northamptonshire Council, says that in addition to causing cruelty to animals, a farm of this kind would pose traffic, noise and pollution problems.
Elisa Allen, PETA Director, said: “Peta is calling for this plan to be scrapped. Thousands of compassionate people have spoken and the council should heed their concerns for animal welfare, the environment and the health of the community.”