Two thousand pigs could be moved near to a Norfolk village as part of plans for a new rearing facility.

Eastern Daily Press: Applicant D&C Murrell is seeking permission to erect a pig rearing building in a field north of Norwich Road in Great Plumstead. Photo: GoogleApplicant D&C Murrell is seeking permission to erect a pig rearing building in a field north of Norwich Road in Great Plumstead. Photo: Google (Image: Archant)

Applicant D&C Murrell is seeking permission to erect a pig rearing building in a field north of Norwich Road in Great Plumstead.

But concerns have been raised by two neighbouring parish councils about potential noise and smell from the proposed operation.

The structure, which will be 6.5m high, would be located more than 400m away from properties to the north and west of the site.

The proposals have been recommended for approval and go before Broadland District Council's planning committee on October 24.

'The proposed building would allow a pig farming operation to be established on the site, which would enable the growth of a rural agricultural business,' a council appraisal of the scheme said.

Eastern Daily Press: Each batch of pigs would be on site for about 20 weeks at a time, planning papers said. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYEach batch of pigs would be on site for about 20 weeks at a time, planning papers said. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant)

'The applicant currently runs a pig farming operation at Church Farm, Hemblington Road, South Walsham, which is similar to the development proposed on the application site.'

Planning permission already exists for two pig rearing buildings at the site , however these are yet to be built.

Each batch of pigs would be on site for about 20 weeks at a time, planning papers said.

Great and Little Plumstead Parish Council had 'strongly' objected to the proposals.

It raised concern about the number of vehicles accessing the site and potential environmental issues, including foul water run-off.

The council also questioned the justification for the development, claiming the applicant already operated a farm in South Walsham.

Rackheath Parish Council, meanwhile, said it was concerned about the noise and smell from the animals.

Norfolk County Council's highways authority said it had some scepticism regarding the stated traffic movements.

It added that two pig rearing buildings had recently been approved at the site without being subject to highway authority consultation.

However, the authority said the proposed site access would meet requirements.

An 'odour management plan' has been submitted with the application, and will be discussed at the planning committee meeting.