Controversial plans to reinstate a dilapidated poultry farm in Norton Lindsey look set to be refused following a council U-turn on the scheme.

Warwick District Council had originally recommended the Land at Ward Hill application be given the go ahead, but councillors decided to defer the decision in June until more information was gathered.

And following discussion with Warwickshire County Council's highways department, WDC planners now think the scheme should be thrown out.

A report set to be discussed by the council's planning committee next Wednesday (November 9) says access to application does not show that "safe and appropriate access can be provided" to the site.

The application says: "The application was referred to committee on 22 June 2022 where following the debate, the application was deferred to seek further input and clarification on matters relating to access and highway safety. 

"In the intervening period, the application has been reviewed by Warwickshire county highways.

It added: "It remains that the highway authority cannot be sure that the proposal provides safe access as from the information submitted, this has not been satisfactorily demonstrated. The county highways officer has therefore now raised an objection."

If approved the development would see two "dilapidated" poultry houses demolished and rebuilt despite objections from over 100 residents.

Local MP Matt Western had also objected to the proposals, alongside Norton Lindsey Parish Council and ward councillor Cllr Jan Matecki.

But speaking in support of the application at the June council meeting Mr Andrew Murphy urged councillors to approve the plans.

"For the last three years this planning application for replacement poultry houses has been thoroughly considered by officers of the council and external consultees," he said. 

"The application safeguards the environment and the welfare of residents of Norton Lindsey whilst contributing to food productions and the rural economy."