A POULTRY farm for 12,000 free-range hens has been given the go-ahead after the farmer appealed against a decision to refuse it.

Derwentside District Council denied Steven Spry and his parents, William and Beryl, planning permission for the development at Derwent Oak Farm, in Hamsterley Mill, earlier this year.

The authority received 180 letters of objection from the community of 140 homes, complaining that the farm would create a foul smell, as well as noise and an increased volume of traffic.

The development control committee decided unanimously to refuse permission, but Mr Spry contested the decision through an eight-day public inquiry.

Government inspector Karl Moxon overturned the council's decision and ordered the council to pay costs.

Mr Spry said he has spent £130,000 on the case, but the district council was unable to comment on how much it had spent and whether it would challenge the farmer's claim.

In his report, Mr Moxon said: "The mere fact that concerns are raised is not a valid reason for refusing planning permission.

"There has to be cogent evidence that the effects would be more likely than not to cause material harm.

"I am bound to conclude that no such evidence has been put forward in this case.

"I can understand why this issue has been raised. Suspicion alone is not, however, an adequate reason for refusing planning permission."

The news has been met with anger from those who have campaigned against the proposal.

Councillor Carol Watson, whose ward includes Hamsterley Mill, said: "I am absolutely devastated, and I cannot believe that planning inspector thinks there is going to be no nuisance caused by the flies and the smell.

"It beggars belief."

Coun Watson said she hoped the original decision would be upheld as the proposed farm is only hundreds of metres from residential dwellings.

She added: "It is not fair, as it only a stone's throw from where the residents live.

"People are gobsmacked and very upset by this and it is not a very good advert for Derwentside.

"The first thing that that will hit you when you come into the area is going to be the smell."