A decision by Huntingdonshire District Council to refuse planning permission for a poultry farm and abattoir near Farcet has been welcomed by North West Cambridgeshire MP Shailesh Vara.

Mr Vara said the refusal had been “absolutely the right decision”, having been contacted by concerned constituents worried about the planned development.

He said residents were worried about an increase in heavy vehicle movements, noise pollution and contamination of nearby properties with waste from the business.

He said: “This was absolutely the right decision and I am very pleased that Huntingdonshire District Council has taken the sensible course of action.

“There was, rightly, much concern amongst the communities in South Stanground and Farcet with this contentious application uniting residents in a common cause.

“Credit is due to councillors Ray Bisby, Chris Harper and Brian Rush who also very effectively opposed the application and helped to ensure it was rejected.”

The scheme included four sheds capable of holding 100,000 birds, an on site slaughterhouse and accommodation for a manager.

Mr Vara added: “I hope that residents will be reassured by the council’s decision.”

He said he had worked with the councillors in objecting to the poultry farm which local residents felt was inappropriate for the area.

Cllr Bisby said: “News that Huntingdonshire District Council has refused planning permission for a chicken farm and slaughter house has been applauded.

“Issues raised included the area being a flood plain, health issues around poultry farming and infrastructure.

“We must ensure that any business enhances thee area and does not detract from it.”

He thanked residents who had also made objections to the planning application.

Farcet Parish Council recommended refusal of the scheme on the grounds that it was in a flood risk zone with a high probability of flooding and needed a detailed flood risk assessment to show it would not cause an increase in flooding.

The parish said information about air quality was incorrect and did not give evidence about the extent of odour nuisance.

It also said the chicken farm would be only 50m from the nearest house and was likely to become a nuisance neighbour.

Parish councillors felt was likely to lead to more traffic through the village.