A decision whether plans to build an intensive chicken farm in Sutton Veny can go ahead has been postponed, after residents voiced their concerns at a council meeting on Wednesday.

The application for a site at Longbridge Deverill Road had been recommended for approval by Wiltshire council, but a 400-name petition and 140 letters of objection were submitted by residents.

According to the Spitting Feathers action group, around 70 objectors attended the council meeting at Trowbridge County Hall.

Group chairman William Owen, who is also a member of Sutton Veny Parish Council, said the farm, which would rear millions of chicks each year, would be noisy, smelly and increase traffic.

He said: “We are very pleased with the result – especially as councillors voted unanimously to recommend a deferral of the decision.

“When the council heard the effect the farm could have on Sutton Veny and the impact on those who live near the proposed site, they agreed more research was required.

“The council found insufficient information was provided by the developers about transport and the effect the farm would have on the area. It was also discovered the developers had not applied for an Environmental Agency Permit, which is normally done when applying for planning permission.

“The farm could cause severe damage to the area if plans were to go ahead, but the support we have had has been fantastic.”

The West Bromwich-based 2 Sisters Food Group, which is behind the plans, said it would be using land that had already been used for a poultry farm in 2005.

But Eamonn Wilmott, co-owner of Horses First Racing, which is next to the site, fears dust and contaminants from the farm during cleaning would harm the lungs of its 60 racehorses. He said: “It was clear councillors are concerned.”

If the application is successful, four poultry buildings would be demolished and replaced by five large chicken houses accommodating 223,900 birds. A 2 Sisters Food Group spokesman said the redevelopment would “help sustain local jobs” and be “more aesthetically pleasing”.