A NEW egg production plant, containing more than 6,000 chickens, is set to open its doors in Rossendale.

Planning agents for the venture, at Pisgah Farm, in Ivy Bank, Whitworth, say the operation is halfway between a free-range and battery hens enclosure.

Spokesman Alison Hartley said: “There has been a move away from battery hens because of public concerns so these chickens will be able to roam within the building.”

Because the building is within an old quarry, the unit can only be seen from three sides, Rossendale council’s development control committee was told.

The committee approved the bid on condition the operators submit details of insulation and ventilation.