THE long-running saga about a pigeon loft is set to take another twist next week.

Last June Kenneth Wren, of Shepherds House Farm, Brotton, was given nine months to move his prized pigeons because their 100-foot long pigeon loft was said to be too noticeable in the surrounding countryside which lies in the heritage coast area.

Now Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's planning committee is being asked to consider a proposal to convert an agricultural holding at the farm into a stud, which would breed up to 500 young birds every year.

The birds would be sold at a rate of 50 a week from a despatch point in Middlesbrough between early January and April each year. Breeding would be phased over nine months.

Local people have objected to the scheme, although the Royal Racing Pigeon Association is supporting the plan because it says it is agricultural diversification which the Government is keen to support.

Planning officers from the council say it cannot be considered a diversification scheme because Mr Wren lives in a bungalow on the farm site and not at the farm itself.

It is also believed that the stud farm would be harmful to the countryside environment and officers are suggesting the scheme is turned down.

The committee will discuss the issue at its meeting on Monday.