A controversial plan to bring more than 60,000 hens to a quiet Weald village will face council scrutiny following a packed public meeting last night.

Fridays Ltd's application to build a huge chicken house on land at Pullens Farm, Lamberhurst Road, Horsmonden, will go before Tunbridge Wells Borough Council's planning committee after the head of the department called it in.

The decision follows Horsmonden Parish Council's recommendation that the proposal for the 32-hectare farm be rejected.

The free-range egg producer's application was met with outrage last week, with residents claiming the development would, among other things, lead to foul odours, traffic chaos and noise pollution.

A total of 85 people attended the forum at the Back Lane village hall to discuss the proposal, with 11 of the attendees making representations.

Parish council chairman and borough councillor for Brenchley and Horsmonden Jane March said: "There were many reasons given to oppose the plan. On balance it was felt the benefits of having the farm did not outweigh the harm to the area of outstanding natural beauty.

"Following the meeting I asked the head of planning if the plan could be called in as it is such a big issue, she has agreed so it will face the committee."

She added: "Fridays missed the opportunity to talk to and answer questions from the local community. With a major application it would have been wise for them to engage with local communities."

If the plan is approved the 57,630 sq ft building will be home to 64,000 birds and employ two full-time and four part-time members of staff, with close to 10,000 trees and shrubs planted on the land.

However, residents claim the site, which could house 45 football pitches, will lead to pollution of the area and destruction of the nearby ancient woodland and area of outstanding natural beauty.

It is also feared the increase in traffic, which could equate to two to three lorries a day collecting almost 400,000 eggs a week, will cause traffic chaos and destroy the already fragile road.

David Harvey, a spokesman for the company, said: "We take on board people's concerns and we intend to arrange an open afternoon at one of Fridays existing farms. We will publicise that as widely as we can. We will take away comments and discuss them.

"Fridays have to work within EU legislation which dictates a lot."