A DECISION over a controversial plan for a poultry business in an exclusive village has been deferred.

Members of Derwentside District Council's development control committee voted to undertake a site visit to Derwent Oak Farm, in Hamsterley Mill, near Gateshead, where landowner Bill Spry wants to establish a free-range egg business with 12,000 hens.

The scheme angered residents in the village, where house prices average £400,000. They fear smells from the unit will affect their quality of life and cause house prices to fall.

Jim Little, who has lived in the village for 24 years, said: "They are talking about installing something the size of an aircraft hangar in our village. But if it comes within planning laws, it is tough if it makes your house valueless."

Villagers in the community, which number fewer than 200 homes, spent more than £3,000 of their money commissioning an independent study into the development.

They also sent more than 180 letters of objection and a petition signed by more than 200 people opposing the scheme.

More than 50 objectors packed the chamber at Consett Civic Centre for the meeting. An agent for Mr Spry told the committee there was no danger of smells escaping from the site and affecting householders.

This was backed by a report from the council's environmental health officers.

Mr Spry also offered to sell manure created by the enterprise rather than spread it on his land to appease residents.

The site visit will take place on May 5 at 10am, and the council is expected to make a decision on the plan later in the month.